The California Energy Commission (CEC) has given the green light to Form Energy for a groundbreaking $30 million grant, marking a pivotal moment in the state's pursuit of clean and reliable energy. This grant will support the construction of a 5 MW / 500 MWh iron-air battery storage project, the largest of its kind in California and the first to leverage the cost-efficient iron-air technology. The project, located at a Pacific Gas and Electric Company substation in Mendocino County, is expected to go operational by the end of 2025.
Iron-air battery technology operates on the principle of reversible rusting, utilizing iron and air electrodes filled with a water-based, nonflammable electrolyte solution. During discharge, the battery absorbs oxygen from the air, converting iron metal to rust, and while charging, the process is reversed. This technology promises lower production costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, making it a significant advancement in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
CEC Chair David Hochschild emphasized the transformative impact of this multiday battery system on California's energy mix. The project aims to enhance the state's ability to store excess renewables during nonpeak hours, addressing peak demand and contributing to California's goal of achieving 100% clean electricity.
This grant follows Form Energy's recent endeavors, including partnerships with Xcel Energy and the commencement of construction on its first iron-air battery manufacturing facility in West Virginia. The company is positioning itself at the forefront of the energy storage revolution with projects across the United States, including collaborations in Minnesota, Colorado, and Georgia.
Source: renewableenergyworld.com