Renewable energy for all and sustainable
To make better use of the electricity generated by renewables there is an unresolved issue: the development of efficient energy-storage systems. Spanish company Innotecno has embarked on a project to develop a prototype of redox flow battery and the EEA Grants are supporting this effort.
10.02.2015
Currently, energy produced by wind turbines and solar panels must be consumed immediately or stored in expensive and inefficient systems. Within the framework of the research in this field, Spanish company Innotecno (Valencia) is developing a prototype of redox flow battery in order to store electrical energy and to get integrated with renewable energies, reducing fluctuations and providing electricity in isolated areas. It is one of the projects selected within the EEA Grants Environmental and Climate Change-related Research and Technology Programme, operated by CDTI.
There are many researches in progress in the world trying to discover the perfect energy-storage system. What is new in the Innotecno project is the element: vanadium. “The advantages are an unlimited life span, because the dissolution can be constantly recycled, high energy efficiency and environmental friendly”, explains Asunción Climent, Technical Assistant. “The objective is to develop a compact battery which address the needs in a cost-effective way”.
The possible applications includes: a network-attached storage, which can improve energy quality; small-scale storage and for remote and isolated communities; or small portable batteries for electric vehicles.
In order to achieve their objective, Innotecno is supported by two leading-edge research organizations: the Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIC) and the Technological Institute of Toys.
“Innotecno takes into account three factors in developing a project: economic impact, potential market and internationalization, and in this case, the outlook is very good”, explains Lola Corvinos, Project Manager, who points out the positive effect of this type of grants for R&D projects. “The financial support of the EEA Grants has allowed us to develop the prototype and the option of technical validation for future commercialization”.
EEA Grants Environmental and Climate change-related Research and Technology Programme, operated by CDTI, is funded with 18 million euros. The main objective is promoting enterprise Research, Development and Innovation in Spain in the Climate Change and Renewable Energy priority sectors.