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The world’s largest energy storage facility is currently being built in the USA. In addition to its sheer size, the technology behind it is the real highlight. Because it is an iron-air battery that does not require lithium.
The world’s largest energy storage facility is currently being built in the USA – with a storage capacity of 8,500 megawatt hours. For comparison: This corresponds to almost half of all battery storage in Germany combined. But it’s just the sheer size that stands out, but rather the technology behind it. The energy storage is a so-called iron-air battery.
Instead of lithium, this battery relies on iron and air. More specifically, a process we all know: rusting. Because when charging, rust is broken down by electrical current. When discharging, the process is reversed. A fan ensures that air enters the system, where the oxygen reacts with iron and releases energy. Thanks to the use of readily available materials such as iron, this technology is significantly cheaper and safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
The largest energy storage device in the world is an iron-air battery
A big advantage is that the iron-air battery is non-flammable. It also uses no toxic or rare raw materials, which makes it sustainable and environmentally friendly. However, the technology is not perfect. Because the efficiency is just around 50 to 70 percent. For comparison: lithium-ion batteries come to 90 to 95 percent.
The Company Form Energywhich is behind the project, wants to use the technology to sustainably change energy storage. Particularly when switching to renewable energies, it is crucial to be able to store excess energy over longer periods of time.
The iron-air battery could do just that at a fraction of the current cost. The manufacturing cost is only about $20 per kilowatt hour, compared to $200 for lithium-ion batteries.
The first system is scheduled to go online in three years
The first system is scheduled to go online in the US state of Maine in 2028. It could not only be important for the transition to renewable energy, but also reduce dependence on imported raw materials.
Despite its even lower efficiency, the iron-air battery offers enormous opportunities, especially for large-scale energy storage. Through lower costs, greater safety and low environmental impact, it could be the key to a more sustainable energy supply.
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As a Tech Industry expert, I am incredibly excited about the potential of iron-air batteries as the largest energy storage device in the world. The ability to store large amounts of energy in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner is crucial for the future of renewable energy sources. Iron-air batteries have the potential to revolutionize the way we store and use energy, providing a reliable and sustainable solution for meeting our growing energy needs.
I believe that the development and widespread adoption of iron-air batteries have the potential to significantly impact the tech industry, as they can be used in a variety of applications, from grid-scale energy storage to powering electric vehicles. This technology has the potential to transform the way we think about energy storage and distribution, providing a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional battery technologies.
Overall, I see iron-air batteries as a game-changer in the energy storage industry and am excited to see how this technology will continue to evolve and revolutionize the way we power our world.
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