This initiative, which aims to develop Zn-Br redox flow batteries for energy storage and their subsequent integration into smart grids and stationary applications, has involved an investment of €1.2 million and the creation of 12 new jobs. Flow Grid also has a grant of approximately €175,000 from the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism (EEA Grants) and is part of the Group's diversification strategy into high-growth sectors such as energy efficiency and storage.
The event took place at Jofemar's facilities in Peralta, where the design, development, and testing of the batteries have been carried out. These batteries incorporate the latest improvements, achieved through, among other things, the use of nanotechnology and the specific development of the main components for the electrochemical pair. During the event, the developments and progress made to date were presented, and the operation of the first 6 kWh prototype, currently operational in Jofemar's laboratory, was demonstrated. Participants agreed that the project's progress and the work are on schedule. Furthermore, in this first phase, a new pilot production plant for Jofemar's Electrochemistry department, covering an area of over 170 square meters, has been commissioned.
As Beatriz Ruiz, Head of the Electrochemical R&D Department at Jofemar, explains, “Once the first milestone of the project is achieved, Jofemar will continue optimizing the battery components, their manufacturing and assembly processes, as well as the configurations, seeking to improve efficiency in both storage capacity and costs.” The Group expects to achieve a 60 kWh energy storage system with an estimated cost of €200/kWh, which translates into a reduction in the cost of renewable energy and, therefore, a potential for widespread adoption of these systems. They will be fully configurable and adaptable to customer demand or specifications, recyclable and environmentally friendly, as well as easily integrated into the environment.
Energy storage systems will act as grid stabilizers, guaranteeing the quality and reliability of supply and providing support for grid operation. They will also prevent overload problems and compensate for the variability of renewable resources and their integration into the grid. Redox flow batteries are electrochemical storage devices that convert electrical energy and store it as chemical energy, reversing the process in a controlled manner when necessary. These batteries operate through the reaction that occurs when an electric current is applied to two chemically active species that are oxidized and reduced, respectively, forming the redox (reduction-oxidation) system in a flow cell. Unlike conventional batteries, they store energy in external tanks containing these liquids and the active species (electrolytes). They are low-cost batteries that use recyclable and environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, depending on the system design, they allow for decoupling the power factor from the battery capacity.
The development of these technologies is key both for global energy management and for the integration of renewable resources and electricity management. With this R&D initiative, Jofemar aims to position itself as a leading manufacturer and supplier of energy storage systems, offering high-performance, low-cost, and user-friendly electrochemical storage solutions.
