StorTera has secured £5m from the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) to develop a megawatt scale battery that can operate for up to eight hours.
The Edinburgh based company's single liquid flow battery (SLIQ) aims to offer grid flexibility by storing electricity which can then be released at peak times when weather dependent renewable technologies have periods of decreased energy generation.
The battery will be installed at the Midlothian Innovation Centre (MIC) in 2024.
Dr. Gavin Park, chief executive at StorTera, said: “This is a really significant piece of funding for StorTera and we are excited that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy [BEIS] shares our ambition and believes we can lead the way in developing sustainable long duration batteries.
“As Scotland produces more and more renewable energy, it is clear that long duration energy storage will be crucial in supporting the flow of energy to the grid at peak times.”
StorTera’s funding was included in phase two of the BEIS’ Longer Duration Energy Storage Demonstration Programme (LODES), which defines this type of storage as any technology that can output stored energy at full capacity over a period longer than four hours.
Earlier this year, during phase one of LODES, StorTera completed a detailed feasibility study on its battery to provide long duration energy storage, including how it can utilise a local supply chain that provides recycled raw materials from industry.
For phase two, the business expects to employ up to 14 new full-time staff including electrical, electronic, mechanical and chemical engineers - doubling its number of employees to 28.
Minister for Climate Graham Stuart said: “Accelerating renewables is key to boosting our energy resilience, as energy storage helps us get the full benefit of these renewables, improving efficiency and helping drive down costs in the long term.
“This £32.9m government backing will enable green innovators across the UK to develop this technology, helping create new jobs and encouraging private investment, while also safeguarding the UK’s energy security.”
A new facility, featuring laboratory and test facilities, will be established at a new location in Scotland, in order to scale up the manufacturing and development of the SLIQ.
StorTera aims to build a circular economy around the SLIQ by utilising recycled and recyclable materials, such as a by-product of the wood industry and reusing sulphur from oil and gas.
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
