ESI and Stanwell establish Australia’s first iron flow battery pilot

Energy Storage Industries – Asia Pacific (ESI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Stanwell Corporation to establish a 1 MW/10 MWh iron flow battery pilot project adjacent Stanwell Power Station.

The pilot project will confirm the viability of iron flow batteries for medium duration energy storage (8-12 hours) and confirm the viability of deploying the technology at scale. The duration makes the batteries ideal for supporting and firming the electricity network during periods of high demand and low renewable energy generation. Iron flow batteries use an environmentally friendly electrolyte solution to store and discharge electrical energy.

ESI has delivered 10 batteries to the power station, with a further 10 batteries en route. Stanwell will acquire the energy storage once it has been successfully commissioned and is aiming to deliver service and maintenance on the pilot.

ESI Managing Director Stuart Parry said the pilot project with Stanwell was a first in Australia for iron flow batteries – a grid-scale and environmentally friendly energy storage solution.

“Queensland is at the forefront of battery technology development and this transaction reinforces the state’s reputation as a leader in the renewable energy economy, while also training the workforce of the future,” Mr Parry said.

“ESI is already establishing a $70 million facility in Maryborough to manufacture iron flow batteries and will manufacture the electrolyte solution in Townsville, supporting jobs and investment in the regions.

“We look forward to working with Stanwell to deliver this pilot project as an important step in deploying sustainable energy storage to help underpin Queensland’s energy transformation.”

Stanwell said it was a pleasure to have ESI Managing Director Stuart Parry on site at Stanwell Power Station as part of our Future Energy Innovation and Training Hub (FEITH) announcement. See the announcement from Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni here.

The company said: “Stanwell is delighted that ESI’s iron flow battery technology will be the first emerging energy technology tested and validated at FEITH and we look forward to working in partnership with ESI to help with the development of this exciting medium-term energy storage solution.”

Pictured are (L-R) Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs and the Public Sector Bart Mellish, State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni, Member for Keppel and Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure Brittany Lauga, ESI Managing Director Stuart Parry and Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams.