Today marks the kick-off of RenewaFLEXNL, a three-year research project focused on integrating Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) into a smarter Dutch energy network. Within this project, Ecomatters will play a key role by conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of each of the projects LDES use cases.
The consortium brings together 17 partners from across the energy value chain. Its aim is to accelerate and de-risk LDES technologies and support their integration with renewable generation and energy offtakers.
Background
The Netherlands faces growing challenges in integrating renewable energy into its electricity system. Current limitations include grid congestion, price volatility and a mismatch between variable generation and demand. LDES is seen as a key solution to enable a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system.
LDES store energy for extended periods, ranging from hours to multiple days. As renewable sources such as wind and solar generate electricity intermittently, LDES can bridge the gap between periods of high generation and times of peak demand.
RenewaFLEXNL develops and validates Dutch LDES solutions, covering both electrical and thermal storage tested alongside an open, modular Energy Management System (EMS) blueprint. The EMS and technologies will be applied in three-real world cases that reflect Dutch system challenges.
Research across these cases will demonstrate how LDES can reduce renewable curtailment, alleviate grid congestion, and deliver dependable, low-carbon energy across the economy.
RenewaFLEXNL focuses on three Dutch LDES solutions:
- Aquabattery (electrochemical)
- ORE Energy (iron-air)
- BB One (hybrid thermal and electrical)
Ecomatters role
Working alongside research institutes such as TNO, renewable energy companies, grid operators, and energy management system providers, Ecomatters will conduct an LCA for each of the project’s three use cases. These assessments will establish a baseline calculation of environmental impacts across the full lifecycle of the storage solution.
As the project progresses, the LCA will be updated to reflect the findings from the research and demonstration activities within the project. The results will be used to provide feedback and recommendations for further refinements supporting the acceleration of LDES technologies.
By the end of the project, RenewaFLEXNL aims to lay the foundation for large-scale Long-Duration Energy Stprage deployment within the next decade, strengthening the resilience and affordability of the Dutch energy system. The project receives funding from the Dutch MOOI System Integration programme.
This article is a summary of a press release by TNO. To read the full press release, click here.
