The Dutch claim to have come up with a breakthrough solution that can solve the world’s energy storage problem in the most scalable, reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective way. Meet the Ocean Battery, designed for offshore wind farms and other forms of renewable power generation.
The CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is an event dedicated to innovation in technology. So this year’s CES was the perfect context for Dutch company Ocean Grazer to introduce the world to its Ocean Battery system meant to change the sustainable energy landscape.
This offshore energy storage system is based on hydro dam technology and is described by its developer as a “pumped hydro system in a box”, capable to store renewable energy where it is produced (offshore). It is buried in the seabed and can be deployed in new or existing offshore wind farms, floating solar, wave energy, or tidal systems. It is reliable, virtually maintenance-free, good for marine life, and uses clean water as an energy carrier.
With offshore energy and renewable energy in general relying heavily on weather conditions, it is very likely for power production to no longer be available on-demand in the future. The Ocean Battery solution claims it can make sure that wind farms can keep producing energy in any weather scenario.
Consisting of a rigid concrete reservoir with a volume of 20 million liters (almost 5.3 million gallons), which is buried in the seabed, the Ocean Battery stores water under low pressure when the system is discharged. The system also includes a flexible bladder that stores water under the high hydrostatic pressure of the ocean. The bladder is full when the system is charged. Pumps and hydro turbines connect the rigid reservoir to the flexible bladder and circulate the water. Their power capacity can be adjusted.
All the excess renewable energy is routed to the Ocean Battery, pumping water from the rigid reservoir to the flexible battery and being stored as potential energy in the form of water under high pressure. When power is needed, the bladder releases the water back into the rigid reservoir, driving the hydro turbines to generate electricity.
According to Ocean Grazer, the Ocean Battery system comes with unlimited charge and discharge cycles and has an efficiency of 70 to 80 percent. Each reservoir has a capacity of 10 MWh.
The Dutch startup recently announced that it closed a deal with an “angel investor”, helping it enter the market faster. No other details have been offered so far on the collaboration.
Cristina’s always found writing more comfortable to do than speaking, which is why she chose print over broadcast media in college. When she’s not typing, she also loves riding non-motorized two-wheelers, going on hikes with her dog, and rocking her electric guitars. Full profile
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