Energy storage system for tidal power-to-hydrogen research project energized in Orkney

Invinity Energy Systems has energized a 1.8MWh VS3 flow battery system at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) hydrogen facility, as part of a tidal power-to-green hydrogen research project.

Installed at EMEC’s hydrogen R&D facility on the island of Eday in the Orkney Islands, the energy storage system comprises 48 Invinity VS3 battery modules, with a combined capacity equivalent to the daily energy consumption of over 210 UK households.

Invinity’s flow batteries will be integrated with tidal generation to optimize green hydrogen production at EMEC’s hydrogen production plant, according to the company.

Tidal generation is predictable yet variable, with two high and two low tides occurring each day. Once the integrated system has been fully commissioned, the battery will ‘smooth’ the power from the tidal generation by storing during high power periods and releasing during low power periods to ensure EMEC’s 670 W hydrogen electrolyzer has a stable, renewable power supply, allowing the continuous production of green hydrogen.

Neil Kermode, managing director at EMEC, said: “We’re delighted to have Invinity’s innovative battery technology installed on our site on Eday. It will integrate power generated by our clients’ tidal turbines and help optimize hydrogen production. Energy storage solutions like vanadium flow batteries are crucial to creating resilient, clean energy systems of the future and we look forward to seeing the integrated system fully demonstrated later this year.“

Manufactured at Invinity’s facility in Bathgate, the energy storage system was delivered in stages via road and ferry to the island located off the north coast of Scotland. The project is currently in its final commissioning phase with integration of the tidal turbine and electrolyzer expected to complete shortly.

Full demonstration of the integrated system is due to take place this autumn, according to Invinity.

Larry Zulch, CEO at Invinity Energy Systems, said: “This first of a kind project at EMEC illustrates the important role that Invinity’s vanadium flow batteries can play in the net zero energy system of the future. Now that our batteries are installed and energized, we look forward to fully demonstrating their capabilities once the integrated green hydrogen project goes live later this year. We are grateful to be working with the forward-looking team at EMEC as they work toward a net-zero future.“

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