Organic flow batteries adhere to the redox principle with one exception. This time, they use aqueous electrolytes which are non-flammable, and non-toxic. Development of this promising concept has been slow. However, in Austria things are about to take a leap forward with a 300-megawatt organic flow battery under construction. That’s right. We are talking 300-megawatts and it is happening!
Origin of the 300-Megawatt Organic Flow Battery
A new partnership has emerged between utility provider Burgenland Energy in Germany, and CMBlu Energy in Austria. They are focusing on using flow battery technology to store renewable energy harvested at a wind and solar farm.
The 300-megawatt organic flow battery utilizes a product named lignin, according to PV Magazine. This organic material is one of the chief constituents of wood, and is easily sourced as a by-product of pulp mills. However, in this instance the lignin tops up two separate tanks, and then combines them to cause a ‘biochemical reaction in a special unit’.
Lignin is a non-flammable, non-explosive material able to deliver over 10,000 charging cycles. It would be a simple matter for Burgenland Energy to replace spent with fresh lignin, and continue harvesting the renewable energy.
Why is Burgenland Energy Introducing the Technology Now?
The hybrid wind and power plant, and its 300-megawatt organic flow battery are not far from a tiny rural village. This settlement is in an area of exceptional beauty and enjoys a rich Celtic history.
“One could have made it easy for oneself and rely on lithium-ion storage,” says Burgenland Governor Hans Peter Doskozil. “But that would not have fitted in with our attitude that we want to generate energy from natural and fair resources.
“Those storage solutions, where we accept the exploitation of mines and other continents, are not the social image that we will accept in the course of an energy transition.” That’s why Doskozil chose a renewable energy model that’s an example to the rest of the world.
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