source: SaudiGulf Projects
Dubai: As a major step in cleaner energy, Saudi Aramco has introduced the world’s first megawatt-scale Iron-Vanadium (Fe/V) flow battery to be used with gas production. The purpose of this project is to develop energy efficiency and mitigate the release of harmful emissions in oil and gas.
The Iron-Vanadium (Fe/V) battery was installed at Aramco’s Wa’ad Al-Shamal facility in western Saudi Arabia. This battery will be available to provide a backup for solar assisted power to up to five gas wells and will have a lifespan of at least 25 years. It is also the first renewable energy storage unit that has ever been used for gas operations.
Cost-effective Energy Storage
The flow battery is designed for extreme temperatures, between -8°C and 60°C, making it a great fit for Saudi Arabia’s desert environment. Most batteries would be destroyed by weather conditions like this. Unlike a conventional battery that loses performance as it heats up or even loses capacity as time goes on, this battery relies on a liquid system to store energy. As a result, it can charge and discharge many times without losing significant charging capacity.
The system is also modular. This can allow it to be expanded and repaired affordably. This affords the system affordability and functionality in remote or unmanned locations where reliable and low maintenance energy systems are critical.
Robust Partnership and Innovation
Aramco created the state-of-the-art battery technology in conjunction with Rongke Power, the leading company in manufacturing flow batteries. They developed a system that provides a safer, more flexible, and longer-lasting solution.
Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco’s Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight & Coordination, said, “The flow battery system developed by our team represents a significant advancement in the oil and gas sector. It offers a more flexible and reliable energy storage solution compared to existing alternatives, particularly for remote and isolated locations. This technology exemplifies Aramco’s ongoing commitment to integrating advanced solutions that improve energy efficiency and support our emissions-reduction goals.”
A Peek into Tomorrow
Flow batteries are beginning to garner interest across the globe due to their safety, efficiency, and low maintenance. Flow batteries can store energy with liquid electrolytes which, by design, are less prone to overheating and have less risk of igniting. All of these properties make flow batteries very well suited for industries, particularly in locations that require consistent energy.
By announcing this new battery system, Aramco is showing leadership in the adoption of renewable energy storage in oil and gas operations, and is expected to encourage more companies to start research and development of clean energy technologies for a sustainable future.
