Korea Zinc, Hanwha Energy Partner On Battery Storage

Can aqueous rechargeable zinc battery (Azb) revolutionize energy storage?

Researchers from UNSW have developed a cutting-edge and scalable solution to overcome the rechargeability challenges of aqueous rechargeable zinc battery (AZB) technology. The innovation can potentially redefine energy storage for homes and grids, emphasising safety, cost-effectiveness, extended life cycle, and robust power capability.

Which batteries will be installed on Western Australia's microgrids?

Horizon Power, Western Australia's regional energy provider, will install and trial Redflow's zinc bromine flow battery (100 kW / 400 kWh) and BASF's sodium sulphur battery (250 kW / 1,450 kWh) on Western Australian microgrids in Nullagine and Carnarvon, respectively.

Can zinc bromine and sodium sulfur batteries be used in remote microgrids?

The project aims to prove the technical viability of zinc bromine and sodium sulfur batteries in remote microgrids and is driven by a need to find new sources of medium- and long-duration dispatchable renewable energy storage in the Western Australia.

Can Australia make a'safe and durable' battery?

A battery manufacturing facility capable of producing two megawatt-hours a year of Australia made “safe and durable” gel-based zinc bromide batteries has been launched in Western Sydney.

What is Australia's current storage capacity?

The current climate Australia's current storage capacity is 3GW, this is inclusive of batteries, VPPs and pumped hydro. Current forecasts by AEMO show Australia will need at least 22GW by 2030 – a more than 700 per cent increase in capacity in the next six years.

Why are Azb batteries so popular?

The use of the high-capacity metallic zinc anode gives AZBs an energy density boost, and its safe chemistry means it is potentially fully recyclable. Ambient manufacturing is another significant advantage. The UNSW team continues to work on developing the zinc anode, cathode, and cell components toward developing battery cell prototypes.