| Energy storage developments
Statera takes on Carlton’s 680 MW battery scheme
Carlton Power and Statera Energy have entered an agreement for Statera Energy to acquire the rights to build a 680 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Carlton-owned Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park in Greater Manchester, UK. The Energy Park was, until 1991, the location of the Carrington coal-fired power station. Under Carlton Power’s stewardship, the site has seen the construction of a flexible gas-fired power station (in operation since 2016 and owned by ESB) and an agreement put in place for Highview Power to build a liquid air energy storage (LAES) facility.
Carlton Power secured planning consent in 2023 for up to about 2 GW of BESS capacity on the Trafford site, and in addition, obtained planning consent in 2022 to build a green hydrogen production facility of up to 200 MW on the site.
The first phase of the Trafford Green Hydrogen facility – a 15MW scheme - has secured a financial support contract from the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and is targeted to enter operation within the next two years.
“first sodium-ion battery for utility-scale energy storage”
Hithium launches
AMEA Power’s pivotal projects
Hithium launch (photo: Hithium)
On 12 December, 2024, Hithium launched sodium-ion battery specifically designed for utility-scale energy storage. Launched at the second Hithium Eco-Day, in Beijing, China, the new battery is designed to excel in wide temperature ranges and high-rate discharge scenarios, with “outstanding cycle life, energy efficiency, high-rate charge/discharge capabilities, and round-trip efficiency.” The sampling”, says Hithium, with GWh mass production planned for Q4 2025. There are three primary routes to sodium- ion battery technology. Traditional layered oxide and Prussian blue/white technologies have limitations in terms of cycle life and high-temperature stability that hinder their energy storage applications. In contrast, polyanion (sodium iron ortho-pyrophosphate cathode) technology unlocks the potential of sodium-ion batteries due to its advantages when it comes to round-trip energy efficiency, low-temperature performance, and charge/ discharge rate. It is well-suited for utility-scale energy storage scenarios that require high life cycles, stability, and safety, says Hithium. ortho-pyrophosphate cathode with a hard carbon anode. Through Hithium’s optimisation
measures, it achieves long cycle life, high temperature stability, wide temperature range, high-rate capability, high round-trip efficiency, and superior safety. At 25°C and 1P power conditions, its capacity retention is 94.2% after 4000 cycles and it is expected to achieve a cycle life of over 20 000 cycles at a state of health (SOH) of 70%. Additionally, at 45°C, the cycle life improves by more than five times, with a capacity retention of 92.5% after 4000 cycles.
successfully passed the rigorous safety tests specified in the GB/T 44265 standard for utility-scale energy storage systems, including drop, crush, short circuit, overcharge/over discharge, and thermal runaway tests. It also complies with GB/T 31485 and has successfully also features an ultra-long 0V shelf life. After being stored at 0V for 6 months, the battery experiences zero capacity loss and maintains unaffected cycling performance compared to a newly manufactured battery. During assembly, even if the anode and cathode are short-circuited, there is no risk of sparking or electric shock. In transportation scenarios, such as crush incidents or system overturns, battery safety is maintained without the risk of combustion or explosion.
AMEA Power has been awarded two pivotal battery energy storage projects through Bid Window 2 of BESIPPPP, organised by South Africa’s Department of Electricity and Energy. The Gainfar and Boitekong projects, located in the North West Province, will each have a capacity of over 300 MWh. These projects will play a vital role in strengthening Eskom’s grid stability. As South Africa continues to grapple with frequent blackouts and load shedding, these BESS projects are expected to help mitigate risks and contribute to the country’s energy security. The Gainfar project will be connected to the Ngwedi substation, while the Boitekong roject will be connected to the Marang substation. Both projects will deliver essential power, energy, and ancillary services to Eskom through 15- year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), further solidifying AMEA Power’s role in the country’s energy landscape. Once operational, these energy storage systems will provide robust, reliable backup power, enabling a stable grid and supporting South Africa’s renewable energy journey. The announcement follows AMEA Power’s earlier success, in December 2022, when the company was awarded the 120 MW Doornhoek solar PV project through Bid Window 6 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
Abydos project, Aswan, Egypt Meanwhile, in Egypt, AMEA Power, in a strategic partnership with Trinasolar, is supplying its Elementa 2 platform (5 MWh) for the 300 MWh Abydos battery energy storage project in Aswan, Egypt. This landmark project is said to be the largest solar PV initiative in Africa and the first in North Africa and Egypt to incorporate a utility-scale battery energy storage system. Developed by AMEA Power, the Abydos solar PV project is said to be a “transformative expansion” of the existing 500 MW Abydos solar PV power plant, which is in operation, in Kom Ombo, Aswan Governorate. By pioneering the integration of a 300 MWh battery storage system the project is said to underscore “Egypt’s commitment to sustainable energy innovation and resilience.”
The Elementa 2 platform, featuring Trinasolar’s in-house vertically integrated LFP (LiFePO4
) cells,
is described as an “advanced grid-scale battery storage system built for efficiency, safety, and reliability.” Key features include an innovative module design to enhance energy density and compatibility with multiple PCS systems, precise thermal management through smart liquid cooling technology, and comprehensive safety systems with advanced fire mitigation and suppression features.
www.modernpowersystems.com | January/February 2025 | 41
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