Dutch startup AquaBattery raises €6M for groundbreaking saltwater energy storage
AquaBattery secures €6M to advance a novel saltwater-based energy storage system, promising enhanced sustainability for Europe’s renewable integration by 2026.
A Novel Approach to Energy Storage
AQUABATTERY’s fresh infusion of capital marks a significant advancement for their pioneering long-duration energy storage (LDES) technology. Utilizing table salt and water, the system presents a stark contrast to traditional battery storage mechanisms, which often rely on less abundant and more hazardous materials. The simplicity of the materials involved underscores the potential for a scalable and environmentally friendly solution to energy storage challenges. The company’s method involves charging their flow battery with clean electricity, which in turn converts the saltwater into separate acidic and basic solutions. During discharge, the process is reversed, releasing the stored energy back into the electricity grid.
Strategic Investments and Future Prospects
The recent seed investment of €6 million is a collaborative effort led by EIT InnoEnergy and includes contributions from InnovationQuarter, Invest-NL, which added €1.5 million to the round, Init Power, and several business angels. This financial backing is a clear indication of confidence in AQUABATTERY’s technology and its alignment with European Union goals to significantly boost renewable energy capacity by 2030. The funds are earmarked for the development of the company’s first standardized battery module and to attract highly skilled professionals to the team. With a fourth pilot battery set to launch in Delft later this year, the company is rapidly moving towards commercial viability.
Piloting the Path to Decarbonization
AQUABATTERY’s upcoming pilot project, a collaboration with Statkraft, will subject the LDES technology to real-world conditions in Delft, Netherlands. This six to twelve-month trial phase is crucial for demonstrating the efficacy of the system and refining it for broader deployment. Compared to current large-scale battery systems that typically offer one to four hours of energy storage, AQUABATTERY’s solution aims to exceed six hours, thus providing a more robust support for renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. As renewable generation becomes increasingly predominant, the role of long-duration storage will be vital for maintaining grid stability and supporting the transition to a net-zero energy system.
A Sustainable Future in Sight
The environmental and social implications of AQUABATTERY’s saltwater LDES technology cannot be overstated. With table salt and water being abundant and non-toxic, the potential for widespread adoption is high, particularly in areas where environmental impact is a significant concern. This aligns with broader European initiatives like the European Battery Alliance and the European Green Hydrogen Acceleration Center, which aim to foster sustainable energy solutions. As the Netherlands and the rest of Europe march towards a sustainable energy future, AQUABATTERY’s solution stands out as a beacon of innovation in the storage sector, with the potential to reshape how renewable energy is stored and utilized on a global scale.