An innovative solution to the storage problem for renewable energy
The storage of energy from turbines is one of the main problems of wind energy. Trying to find a solution, Técnicas Reunidas is developing, with the EEA Grants help, a storage system which increases efficiency, reduces cost and helps the environment.
22.07.2014
This project, one of the 89 selected in the first Open Call within the EEA Grants Environment and Climate Change Programme, operated by CDTI, consists of the research and development of a new concept in zinc-air battery oriented towards renewable energy. “The objective is to develop a massive energy storage system and we have gone in for zinc-air technology because of the low cost, the high energy density and for being environmentally-friendly”, explains Manuel Pérez, Project Manager, Técnicas Reunidas.
The project has a donor partnership, Sintef, a Norwegian entity identified by Técnicas Reunidas as a potential partner even before the EEA Grants, due to their know how in air electrodes.
As the expert explains, a key aspect of this battery is that it would allow to increase the capacity dramatically thanks to the electrolyte containers placed out of the battery. Zinc is already in common batteries and zinc-air batteries are not uncommon but the challenge is to develop a rechargeable battery with this materials. For that reason, Técnicas Reunidas and Sintef are developing a bifunctional air electrode which overcomes the usual constraints of this type of batteries. Once the electrode will be developed, next step will be to escalate it, a major challenge. However, the Técnicas Reunidas team is optimistic about the result and above all, they are totally convinced that energy storage for renewable is a market niche yet to be exploited.
Indeed, the strength of Técnicas Reunidas, one the biggest Spanish companies, is the development of new technologies and diversification. The company is present in more than 50 countries and 90% of the projects are developed outside Spain.
“The EEA Grants have been a great opportunity not only because of the programme model, but also for the possibility of working with Sintef, something that we couldn’t have achieved on our own and whose capacities we haven't found in Spain”, highlights Ángel Galido, Business Development Manager, Técnicas Reunidas.