Altech Batteries (ASX: ATC) and joint venture partner Fraunhofer IKTS have released preliminary specifications for the revolutionary Cerenergy sodium alumina solid state (SAS) GridPack battery products.
The 60 kilowatts per hour ABS60 battery has been rated at an operating voltage of 600 volts and 100 amp and is designed to provide battery backup and performance for uninterrupted power supply in grid-tied commercial applications.
The 1MWh ABS1000 battery targets larger-scale applications such as grid-level storage and industrial power backup and also ensures a stable and uninterrupted power supply, contributing to grid stability and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
Grid storage frontrunner
The preliminary specifications are believed to position Altech as a frontrunner in the grid storage market, offering a technologically-advanced and commercially-viable solution to meet the industry’s evolving needs.
The specifications will allow the company to initiate discussions with potential offtake partners and secure future sales in the lucrative and growing grid storage battery market.
Altech’s GridPacks have been engineered to ensure complete protection from dust and external environments.
This means there is no need for any additional shelters or buildings to house the batteries, and they can be safely installed outdoors in any weather conditions.
The products will be constructed using a sea container design, allowing them to be stacked to minimise the battery footprint and promote ease of scale to meet any energy storage requirements.
Critical need
Increasing global demand for renewable energy sources, coupled with the intermittent nature of renewable power generation, has underscored a critical need for efficient and reliable energy storage solutions.
Altech managing director Iggy Tan said grid storage batteries have emerged as a key enabler for balancing energy supply and demand, ensuring stable power delivery and maximising the use of renewable energy sources.
“The transition of countries like Germany to a power system heavily reliant on weather-dependent renewables is reaching its limitations, a challenge that all nations adopting wind and solar energy will eventually confront,” he said.
“The absence of sunlight and wind for prolonged periods raises concerns about power supply… the short, dark and cold days of mid-winter can pose a specific problem for meeting a nation’s power demand through renewables.”
Energy surpluses
In addition to shortages, surpluses also pose a significant issue.
Germany alone wastes approximately $3.2 billion annually due to excess power being discharged to the ground, while the state of California sheds $4.4 billion each year due to surpluses or lack of grid capacity to bring the power to where it is needed.
“Excess power in the grid can lead to negative prices, compelling grid operators to pay customers to consume electricity… the expansion of renewables amplifies the volatility within the system,” Mr Tan said.
“Grid battery storage is crucial to maintaining a delicate balance in power supply to ensure a stable and reliable energy infrastructure, while accommodating the fluctuations inherent in renewable energy sources.”
The global grid energy storage market is expected to grow from $6.52 billion in 2022 to $22.37 billion by 2027.
