In a notable advancement for renewable energy storage, Ore Energy, a startup spun out of TU Delft in Amsterdam, has successfully integrated its innovative iron-air battery system into the electrical grid in Delft. This development marks the first instance of such a system being grid-connected and fully operational worldwide. Utilizing abundant materials such as iron, air, and water, this storage method offers a potential solution to the ongoing challenges of renewable energy integration and reliability. The initiative suggests a pivotal moment as Europe advances towards sustainable energy solutions.
Almost a year has passed since Ore Energy secured €10M in funding from Positron Ventures and SPRIND. Their progress contrasts with typical timelines for implementing new energy technologies, which often extend over several years. Previously, Ore Energy’s endeavors were concentrated on refining their technology within laboratory settings. Now, the transition to a real-world application at The Green Village signifies a shift from theoretical research to actionable implementation.
What Makes Iron-Air Batteries Different?
The iron-air battery system developed by Ore Energy presents significant advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries, which typically store energy for only 4 to 8 hours. It offers up to 100 hours of clean energy, facilitating better energy use management over several days. This increased storage capacity can help balance renewable energy inputs, diminishing the reliance on fossil fuels extensively.
Why Deploy This Battery at The Green Village?
Deployed at The Green Village, the pilot system acts as a testbed for innovations in climate and energy technology. The location provides real-world data essential for evaluating multi-day energy storage efficiency. The installation also highlights cooperation between research institutes, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
“The Green Village exists to bring bold ideas out of the lab,” said Lidewij van Trigt, Energy Transition Project Manager at The Green Village.
Ore Energy’s iron-air battery aims to resolve systemic issues in Europe’s energy landscape. It minimizes renewable energy curtailment, enhances grid stability, and reduces dependency on fossil fuel backup. By employing elements like iron instead of lithium or cobalt, the company assures safety and abundance, avoiding the geopolitical complexities tied to rare material supply chains.
The project’s modular design is innovative, ensuring scalability and easy deployment in diverse locations. This aspect addresses the pressing demand for energy storage solutions that are flexible and can adapt to various energy needs, ranging from megawatt-hour to gigawatt-hour capacities. According to Aytaç Yilmaz, CEO of Ore Energy,
“Our battery doesn’t just store clean energy, it solves three of the grid’s biggest problems.”
Looking at the future of energy storage, Ore Energy’s design is poised to reduce long-duration energy storage costs significantly. The scalable nature of the modules means that they can be implemented rapidly and effectively, fulfilling large-scale storage needs without the lengthy processes associated with traditional energy storage installations.
The comprehensive testing and grid connection in Delft underscores a concrete step towards addressing renewable energy reliability. As the EU seeks to lead in climate-friendly innovations, Ore Energy’s initiative represents a path that can be emulated across the continent. More importantly, it sets a precedent for how public and private sectors can collaborate in deploying technologies beneficial for both the economy and the environment.
