FCR · aFRR · mFRR · Spot Arbitrage · FTM Marketing
Regulated energy with battery storage: FTM revenue for industrial storage
An industrial storage system capable of handling 1 MW of power generates daily revenue from FCR, aFRR, mFRR and spot arbitrage – fully automatically, regardless of production operations.
Most providers sell hardware or electricity. CUBE CONCEPTS builds the system behind it.
200.000–300.000 €
FTM Gross Revenue per MW/Year
Guideline CUBE CONCEPTS
+39 %
aFRR performance revenues 2025
ISEA Battery Revenue Index
1 MW
Minimum offer FCR, aFRR, mFRR
smaller systems in the pool
January 1st, 2027
Section 118: Investment due date
According to the AgNes draft · IBN until 4.8.2029
§118: Investment decision according to the AgNes draft before January 1, 2027 – yet 83 Days
Calculating FTM potential – free →
Free · 1–2 Weeks · No Commitment
The four FTM revenue streams
FCR · aFRR · mFRR · Spotarbitrage – a portfolio, four revenue sources
No single channel maximizes revenue permanently. CUBE re- EfficiencyUnit weights FCR, aFRR, mFRR and Arbitrage daily – based on market prices, HLZ windows and your load forecast.
FCR ↘ Declining
Frequency Containment Reserve
Primary control output · full output in ≤30 seconds
CompensationPerformance price per unit price (pay-as-cleared), daily auction with 4-hour products
Degradation~0.3 full cycles/day – low
TrendMost profitable channel in 2022/23, since declining; around €106,000/MW in 2025 (−6.9 %)
It remains a portfolio component. Source: regelleistung.net · ISEA Battery Revenue Index, revenue 2025
aFRR ↗ +39 % 2025
Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve
Secondary control power · fully in 5 minutes
CompensationPerformance price (pay-as-bid, daily, 4-hour products) + labor price via PICASSO
Optimum2h system (0.5C) – strongest profit channel in 2025
TrendRevenue in 2025 +39 % to over €146,000/MW (2-hour system)
mFRR Auxiliary Channel
Manual Frequency Restoration Reserve
Minute reserve · Activation within 12.5 minutes
CompensationPerformance price (pay-as-bid, daily, 4-hour products) + labor price
RetrievalSince 2022 through the European platform MARI
RestrictionManual activation squanders BESS response time advantage
Supplementary channel when FCR and aFRR are not fully loaded. Source: regelleistung.net
Arbitrage ↗ Growing
Day-Ahead & Intraday · Spotarbitrage
EPEX SPOT · Day-Ahead from 1.10.2025 in quarters of an hour
MechanismCharge at negative/low prices, discharge at high prices
Market data573 hours with negative wholesale prices in 2025 (2024: 457)
TrendGrows with increasing share of renewable energies
Stable at low regulated energy prices. Source: BNetzA/SMARD · BNetzA 2025
Portfolio Strategy: CUBE EfficiencyUnit rebalances FCR, aFRR, and mFRR daily as an additional channel and arbitrage – based on market prices, HLZ windows, and your load forecast. No fixed channel plan, no manual conversion required.
Prerequisites
When can a battery storage system participate in the grid balancing market?
Five factors determine the FTM potential at your site. CUBE CONCEPTS analyzes all five in the first step – free of charge, based on your load gang data.
Minimum requirements
1 MW
Minimum bid size
750 kW
Entry at CUBE CONCEPTS, marketing in the pool
≤30 s
FCR: full power
5 Minutes
aFRR full response time
Preliminary qualification: Compliance with technical requirements for connection to the utility grid, for battery storage systems in the FCR, etc. includes a minimum activation time of 15 minutes and a power reserve of 25 % CUBE CONCEPTS coordinates the prequalification as a full-service provider.
Five factors for the business case
01
Mains connection power
Available connection capacity determines FTM-enabled capacity
02
Storage Dimensioning (C-Rate)
2h systems achieved around €259,000/MW in 2025, 1h systems around €151,000/MW (ISEA)
03
Network operators & Network level
Grid fees, high-load time windows, and connection conditions vary depending on the network operator; regulated energy prices apply uniformly nationwide
04
BTM Profile §19 / §118
§19: Notification by September 30 (until 2028) · §118: Investment decision before January 1, 2027 (draft), IBN until August 4, 2029
05
BTM/FTM Split
Remaining capacity after BTM coverage determines FTM potential
Request location analysis
CUBE CONCEPTS analyzes all 5 factors – free of charge based on your load gang data
For whom is grid reserve relevant
Which profile applies to you?
Four decision profiles – different questions, the same basis: Open-book calculation based on your location data.
Investment Decision & Balance Sheet Clarity
„Which IRR is realistic – and how do we account for it?“
KPMG comparison calculation: IRR 10.5 % for LFP (10 MW / 40 MWh, Feb. 2026); Its value is derived from the open-book calculation. Off-balance sheet in the BESS Contracting possible (testing according to IFRS 16). Open-book calculation based on your load profile – CUBE BatterySizer calculates over 250 operating variants site-specifically.
0 € CAPEX · Off-Balance IFRS · Open-Book
Sustainability Goals & CSRD Reporting
„How does FTM marketing affect our carbon footprint?“
Regular energy participation = measurable system-related contribution to grid stability. According to the Federal Network Agency, storage has a „special function in the electricity supply system of the future as a flexibility provider“. The operational data can be included in the CSRD reporting (ESRS E1).
CSRD-compliant · system-serving · verifiable
Operational Safety & Plant Engineering
„How does the storage system integrate seamlessly into our production?“
Fully automatic. The CUBE EfficiencyUnit controls FCR, aFRR and arbitrage without interference from the PLC, control system or production control. 24/7 monitoring. System design independent of manufacturer – at least 3 comparable offers, LCOS evaluated.
Fully automatic · no intervention · 24/7
Energy Procurement & Electricity Purchase Costs
„How can I unlock untapped FTM potential on my network connection?“
Monthly billing per channel, OPEX displayed separately – no opaque pool billing. Market benchmarks (ISEA, KPMG) as the basis for decision-making. No manufacturer portfolio – your data, your calculation.
Open-Book · is a Channel · no lock-in
Revenue Numbers & Business Case
What does an industrial storage facility with FTM marketing earn?
Guidance values from CUBE CONCEPTS, organized with the ISEA Battery Revenue Index and the KPMG comparison calculation (February 2026). All values are location-dependent: grid connection, storage duration, and BTM/FTM distribution affect the result.
Total Gross Revenue FTM
200.000–300.000 €
per MW/year · Guideline CUBE CONCEPTS; ISEA 2025: around €259,000 for 2h storage
from aFRR share
largest canal in 2025
aFRR performance +39 % · ISEA Battery Revenue Index
LCOS LFP – Benchmark
110 €/MWh
KPMG AG, February 2026 · Comparison size for manufacturer tender
LCOS ZnBr (Zinc-Bromine Flow)
104 €/MWh
KPMG AG, February 2026 · lowest LCOS, long-term operation
LCOS Sodium-Ion Battery
127 €/MWh
Little operational experience, in the observation status · KPMG AG, Feb. 2026
Practical example – industrial site 1 MW / 2 MWh LFP · FTM marketing
FTM Gross Revenue/Year200.000–300.000 €
OPEX/Year (O&M, Marketing)−55.000 €
Net marketing revenue/year145.000–245.000 €
Contracting-Share (25 %)~36,000–61,000 €/year
GIK (approx. 250 €/kWh)~500.000 €
KPMG reference IRR LFP (10 MW)10,5 %
Amortization2–4 years
Purchase: Full control · 100 % net proceeds
Benchmarks CUBE CONCEPTS · IRR from the KPMG comparison calculation (10 MW / 40 MWh, Feb. 2026) · Site-specific: Network connection, storage duration, and BTM/FTM distribution affect the result · Potential analysis free
Calculate your FTM revenue potential
CUBE BatterySizer calculates over 250 operating variants on a site-specific basis · free
Control Logic & Daily Conflicts
Three conflicts per day – the CUBE EfficiencyUnit resolves them automatically
FCR, §19 compliance and arbitrage compete daily for the same storage capacity. CUBE EfficiencyUnit prioritizes automatically – without manual intervention.
01
FCR vs. Peak Shaving
FCR binds ~50 % SoC symmetrically – capacity that is missing for peak shaving.
Solution: Hourly reprioritization based on high-level goals + load forecast + market price
02
Arbitrage vs. §19-HLZ
Cheap charging periods conflict with HLZ windows – charging jeopardizes §19 claims.
Solution: HLZ deposited daily, charging automatically locked
03
Cycle threshold
Too small price range = cycle costs more than it yields.
Solution: Break-even calculated dynamically – only profitable cycles are executed
More creative daily routine – multi-use operation
Redemption mix by location profile
What strategy suits your location?
No channel lock-in – the strategy follows the market and your load profile, not the manufacturer.
Profile 1 – High performance price
Primary: BTM – Peak Shaving & §19
A single quarter-hour peak determines the performance fee for the entire billing year. BTM brings immediate, measurable value.
BTM comes first – FTM supplements in HLZ-free windows. §19 Application deadline: September 30 (until 2028).
Profile 2 – Free network capacity
Primary: FTM – aFRR + Arbitrage
Free grid connection capacity is the ticket to the regulated energy markets. 200,000–300,000 €/MW/year FTM gross revenue.
FTM comes first – the same memory switches later into combined operation without hardware replacement; the allocation of power quantities is governed by the MiSpeL regulation since October 2026.
Profile 3 – PV system available
Primary: BTM – Self-consumption + Peak Shaving
FCR possible. Arbitrage limited by EEG regulations. MiSpeL has been offering combined PV + FTM since October 2026.
With MiSpeL: the first time a PV system and FTM marketing are implemented simultaneously without a conflict of interest.
Profile 4 · Since MiSpeL (Oct. 2026)
BTM + FTM combined – full combo
MiSpeL (BNetzA regulation pursuant to § 85d of the EEG) enables the first time PV installation and FTM marketing without a conflict of funding: arbitrage and EEG market premium combined.
No channel lock-in strategy follows the market, not the manufacturer.
Which profile suits your location
Submit last design – CUBE CONCEPTS analyzes for free
Prequalification Full Service
From load analysis to ongoing operation – what CUBE CONCEPTS takes over
01
Final Cost Analysis & Open-Book Calculation
CUBE BatterySizer analyzes free net capacity, §19 qualification, and optimal storage dimensioning – all FTM and BTM levers with Euro amounts.
Free · 1–2 weeks
02
System Configuration & Utility Voting
Measurement concept, coordination with the ÜNB, manufacturer tender – at least 3 offers, LCOS evaluated, manufacturer-independent.
2–4 months
03
Technical Tests & Prequalification Transmission System Operators
Assembly, power connection, CUBE EfficiencyUnit configuration, prequalification at the ÜNB – FCR ≤30 seconds, aFRR 5 minutes.
3–6 months
04
Ongoing Operations & Billing
Bid submission, dispatch, monthly billing per channel (OPEX listed individually). 24/7 monitoring, §19 compliance documented.
20+ years
Market positioning
Market organization – why open-book rather than pool-optimizers?
Most providers sell hardware or electricity. CUBE CONCEPTS builds the system behind it.
| Criterion | Provider optimizer | CUBE CONCEPTS |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation basis | Portfolio/Manufacturer – optimized for own workload | Your last gang – location-specific, before your determination |
| Open-book | Internally – not visible before contract conclusion | All assumptions open · before your decision · no negotiating position |
| Redemption mix | Often one channel – manufacturer’s optimum | FCR + aFRR + mFRR as supplementary channel + dynamic arbitrage |
| EMS Priority | Provider revenue – §19 secondary | Customer interest – §19 + Peak Shaving always a priority |
| Pre-qualification | Customer side – own effort | Full-service CUBE – including UNB approval |
| Billing | Pool, OPEX opaque | Net market revenue by channel, OPEX shown individually |
Our open-book calculation is not a bargaining position – it is the foundation on which partnership works. Open-book means transparency within the business relationship – no public disclosure of project data.
Request open-book calculation
Deliver last-minute leads – we showcase your potential based on your data, not our portfolio
Typical objections
The most common objections – answered directly
„§19 compliance suffers when FTM is running.“
Compliance with §19 and peak shaving always take priority. FTM runs exclusively during HLZ-free time windows. The CUBE automatically EfficiencyUnit blocks charging operations – no manual intervention, documented for audit purposes. §19 Application deadline: September 30th.
„What if FCR prices continue to fall?“
Portfolio strategy: FCR + aFRR + mFRR as supplementary channels + arbitrage are dynamically weighted daily. The aFRR performance revenues increased by 39 in 2025 % (ISEA Battery Revenue Index) – the channel change occurs without hardware modification. FCR remains a portfolio component, not a sole pillar.
„We don’t have any free network capacity.“
Often, there is more available connection capacity than is known internally. CUBE BatterySizer analyzes over 250 operating variants based on your load profile data – free of charge, before you make your decision.
„We don’t know yet whether we want to buy Contracting or not.“
That is not a reason for rejection. The open-book calculation shows both models side by side – based on the same location, the same numbers. Contracting (0 € CAPEX, 25 % share) or purchase (100 % revenue): CUBE CONCEPTS calculates both before you make a decision.
References
Tier-1 references – across Europe · on the same foundation
Over 150 realized PV projects, multi-site deployments across Europe. Now battery storage – on the same foundation, with the same ambition.
Refersable upon request.
TI Automotive
Magna International
Valeo
Voestalpine
Tenneco
ITW
Energy projects Europe-wide
Does your location also qualify
Submit your last design – CUBE CONCEPTS will review it free of charge and without obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulatory energy & FTM – Answers for decision-makers
FCR (Frequency Containment Reserve) must deliver full power within 30 seconds. The readiness is rewarded: daily auction the day before with six 4-hour products, unit price (pay-as-cleared). Around 0.3 full cycles per day, therefore low degradation. FCR revenues have been declining since 2023 (2025: around €106,000/MW, −6.9 % according to ISEA), but FCR remains a portfolio component.
aFRR (Secondary Regulated Output) must deliver full output within 5 minutes. Performance (daily auction, 4-hour products, pay-as-bid) and worked output (European platform PICASSO) are remunerated. According to the ISEA Battery Revenue Index, aFRR output revenues of a 2-hour storage increased by 39 % to over €146,000/MW in 2025, while revenues across all markets % fell by 16%.
The minimum bid size for FCR, aFRR and mFRR is 1 MW; smaller systems are marketed through a prequalified provider in the pool. CUBE CONCEPTS implements storage units from 750 kW. Proof of compliance includes, among other things, the activation times (FCR 30 seconds, aFRR 5 minutes, mFRR 12.5 minutes). CUBE CONCEPTS performs the prequalification as a full-service provider.
CUBE CONCEPTS expects 200,000–300,000 € FTM gross revenue per MW per year; according to the ISEA Battery Revenue Index, the potential of a 2-hour storage system in 2025 is around 259,000 €/MW. Site-specific; the cost benchmark is LCOS, for LFP 110 €/MWh (KPMG AG, Feb. 2026). Potential analysis free of charge.
Daily new prioritization based on HLZ, load forecast, and market price. §19 compliance and peak shaving always take priority. FTM only runs during HLZ-free time windows – §19 application deadline: September 30 – documented for audit purposes.
CUBE calculates based on your load profile – open book; all assumptions are disclosed before the calculation is finalized. Pool optimizers calculate based on their portfolio. The result: calculation in the customer’s interest, not the provider’s interest.
Loading at negative or favorable prices, unloading at high prices, on the day-ahead market (since October 1, 2025 in quarter-hour increments) and in the intraday trading. In 2025, there were 573 hours in Germany with negative wholesale prices (2024: 457). Arbitrage stabilizes revenues with low regulated energy prices. Source: Federal Network Agency/SMARD.
Yes – the CUBE EfficiencyUnit coordinates automatically. BTM (§19 application deadline September 30) takes precedence. FTM runs in free capacity windows. MiSpeL: PV + FTM combined since October 2026. §118: Investment decision according to AgNes draft before January 1, 2027, commissioning by August 4, 2029.
Next step
Analyze FTM potential – location-specific and free of charge
CUBE CONCEPTS calculates based on your load profile: free network capacity, optimal storage dimensioning, FCR/aFRR/arbitrage potential, and your revenue expectation – open book, before your decision.
§118: Investment decision according to the AgNes draft before January 1, 2027 – yet 83 Days
Submit last gang – free potential analysis →
Free · 1–2 weeks · No commitment · §118: Investment decision before 1.1.2027 (AgNes draft)
Sources: regelleistung.net · ISEA Battery Revenue Index 2025 · BNetzA/SMARD · KPMG, Investment Case Stationary Battery Storage, February 2026 · Section 118(6) of the EnWG · BNetzA, AgNes draft regulation from 06.08.2026 · BNetzA, MiSpeL determination from 01.10.2026 · § 19 Electricity Network Fee Ordinance
Status: 09.10.2026. AgNes data according to the draft regulation; the final determination is planned for the end of 2026.
Status: 09.10.2026. AgNes data according to the draft regulation; the final determination is planned for the end of 2026.
Further topics
Battery storage – all topics at a glance
Battery storage systems reduce energy costs. Actuate regulators to make them a lever. Activate the revenue potential at your power grid connection – today.
Redemption & LCOS
BTM savings + FTM market revenues – figures, sources, calculation
Peak Shaving & §19
Lower performance price, observe application deadline of September 30th, §19
Multi-Use BTM + FTM
Combining both revenue sources – full combination from Phase III
CUBE Profit Flex Solution
The overarching operating model: FTM, BTM, and Full Combination