Summary

The transition to Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is a critical step to slow down the climate changes and overcome the energy crisis by ensuring energy independency. In this context, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are currently seen as important technological enablers, however, improvements in their performance, cost competitiveness and sustainability should be achieved. 

For EU, the complete batteries value chain and life cycle must be considered, from access to raw material, over innovative advanced materials to modelling, production, recycling, second life, life cycle and environmental assessments. 

LOLABAT reunites 17 stakeholders aiming to develop a new promising battery chemistry, Rechargeable NiZn Battery (RNZB). The promoted technology will target energy and power densities both the highest just after Li-ion batteries, cost the lowest just after the Lead-acid battery, while profiting from abundant and available raw materials, non-toxic elements, high safety, low risk of thermal runaway, limited environmental impact and high recycling potential. 

Goals

• Increase the cycle life of NiZn batteries – at least 4000 cycles at 100% DoD by the end of the project;
• Develop a NiZn BESS for grid applications and its preparation for a production in Europe, increasing its TRL via capacity upscaling;
• Design and integration of BMS and sensors for this battery technology;
• Testing and demonstration of stationary energy storage applications via 6 UCs, to be implemented in relevant utility grid and industrial sites;

EDP Labelec scope

EDP Labelec is the coordinator of WP2 – Specification of requirement, norms and standards for the next generation of stationary batteries, also leading T2.1 and T6.3, focused on the specification of high-level technical and integration requirements for the next generation of stationary batteries and on testing a NiZn BESS prototype in relevant operational environments emulated in the Smart Grid Lab.