Aquabattery Launches Long-Duration Energy Storage Pilot in Delft
Delft, Netherlands - Nov. 25, 2024 -. AQUABATTERY, a climate technology start-up developing sustainable energy storage, is proud to announce the launch of its latest LDES (long-term energy storage) pilot battery in Delft, The Netherlands. The project is located on the Deltares campus and is supported by key partners from the energy sector and built environment, including Statkraft, Verbund, the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers and Deltares.
"Long-term energy storage is essential for tripling renewable generation capacity by 2030 and enabling completely carbon-free buildings," said Jiajun Cen, CEO of Aquabattery. "Our saltwater-based technology is a sustainable, safe and affordable solution that meets the growing need for European-made energy storage."
The pilot plant is a saltwater battery that can store renewable electricity for up to 10 hours. Over the next 12 months, the project will generate crucial insights into the scalability of the technology and operation of the battery. In addition, AQUABATTERY will work with the pilot partners to validate business cases for LDES applications on both the grid and behind the meter. The results will advance the start-up's route to commercial deployment, with a goal of market readiness by 2026.
This innovative LDES solution also highlights the feasibility of a circular and sustainable European battery value chain. It is delivered by using local components and raw materials, including 12 m3 water and 240 kg of salt from Benelux. This sustainable innovation reduces dependence on critical raw materials and has the potential to dramatically improve safety standards and the environmental and social impact of the energy storage sector.
Speaking at the opening event was Rinke Zonneveld, CEO of InvestNL: "At Invest-NL, we recognize that efficient energy storage is critical to unlocking the full potential of renewable energy. AQUABATTERY's innovative saltwater-based technology offers a scalable and sustainable solution that addresses the growing need for safe and cost-effective storage. By enabling long-term energy storage, this pilot project takes an important step toward making clean energy more reliable for communities and businesses alike."
Wouter de Haan, Head of Facilities Management at Deltares, says that "we as a 'living lab' can test Aquabattery in a real-life environment, contributing to a practical solution for sustainable energy storage. The collaboration is a step towards a Paris proof campus in 2040. In addition, we are developing more expertise in solutions for greenhouse gas reduction and accelerating the energy transition."
Statkraft: Statkraft is an international leader in hydropower and Europe's largest producer of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, gas-fired power and provides district heating. Statkraft is a global company operating in the energy market. Statkraft has about 7,000 employees in more than 20 countries.
Verbund: VERBUND is Austria's largest electricity producer and one of the largest producers of electricity from hydropower in Europe.
Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA).: COA offers asylum seekers liveable, safe and sustainable housing and guides them to a future within or outside the Netherlands, in close cooperation with social partners.
Deltares: Deltares is an independent non-profit knowledge institute for applied research on water and soil. Statutorily, Deltares is part of the vital public infrastructure of the Dutch government. Deltares believes in the power of in-depth knowledge, innovative solutions and software to keep the world's delta regions livable.
