Augwind has announced its latest plans to commercialize its innovative AirBattery technology, a development that could have significant implications for energy storage in the construction and engineering sectors. This innovative system combines Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) with Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES), providing a potentially lower-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional battery systems. Long duration energy storage (LDES) is an essential component for delivering the true value of renewables.
The AirBattery works by using twin underground chambers that exchange water to compress and decompress air, with salt caverns then storing the compressed air for extended periods of time. When energy is needed, the high-pressure air is returned back through the water filled chambers and the streaming water spins a turbine to generate electricity. This process is designed to integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, addressing one of the industry’s persistent challenges—how to store energy efficiently and sustainably.
With its foray into the commercial market, Augwind aims to provide scalable solutions that could reshape energy storage methods, particularly in areas with fluctuating renewable energy production. This approach could enhance energy reliability and help tackle issues related to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.
Augwind’s system presents an advantage in its potential cost efficiency. The reliance on air, a readily available resource, significantly reduces material costs compared to traditional battery technologies that often require expensive and finite raw materials. Furthermore, the environmental impact is minimized since the system avoids toxic materials and complex recycling processes associated with conventional batteries.
Germany is set for the first commercial deployment of the AirBattery system. There are more than 400 caverns in Germany that are suitable for AirBattery. Augwind expects commissioning of the first site in Germany to take place in 2027-2028.
“Germany’s redundant salt caverns, industrial leadership, and climate ambition make it the perfect launchpad for our first commercial deployment.”
Or Yogev, Founder and CEO, Augwind
Augwind’s demonstrator facility in Israel has already reached a 47 per cent AC-to-AC round-trip efficiency and it expects commercial installations to exceed 60 per cent efficiency. A typical salt cavern can store enough compressed air to generate 3-8GWh of electricity.
The move to commercialize AirBattery highlights Augwind’s commitment to innovation in energy storage. Their solution not only promises to optimize the capacity and efficiency of existing renewable energy infrastructures but also aims to do so with an eye on sustainability.
“Our goal is to become Europe’s preferred partner for multiweek storage solutions. With this German launch, we are proving that long term energy storage to balance the grid is not only technically feasible, but it’s economically sound.”
Or Yogev, Founder and CEO, Augwind
Record numbers of renewables are coming online annually and multi-day storage is needed to maximise their benefit and decarbonise electricity grids. As the engineering industry seeks ways to reduce carbon footprints and increase energy efficiency, technologies like AirBattery could play a crucial role. By enabling more effective storage and deployment of renewable energy, such advancements support broader efforts to transition to a more sustainable energy landscape.
Augwind says its AirBattery is not only economically competitive with other long duration energy storage (LDES) technologies, but it also does not rely on critical minerals needed for lithium-ion batteries or the large amounts of land needed for pumped hydro.
By focusing on scalability and cost-effectiveness, Augwind’s AirBattery offers a promising alternative that aligns with the global move toward sustainable construction and engineering practices. As the technology gains traction, it could become a cornerstone in the future of energy storage, marking a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable energy solutions.
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Augwind Unveils Plans For Commercial AirBattery
Augwind AirBattery
Photo and video credit: Augwind
