Redflow deploys batteries in China smart grid project

Australian-based Redflow Limited has signed a collaboration agreement with Chinese zinc-bromine flow battery company ZbestPower to supply a 100 kWh battery energy storage solution for a smart grid project in China’s Qinghai Province.

The Haidong Transportation Group’s smart grid project, sponsored by the China National Energy Bureau and managed by ZbestPower, consists of a 1 MWh energy storage system, a 66 kW solar PV parking carport, 18 EV fast charging points and a smart energy management system.

The energy storage system will allow the Haidong Transportation Group to charge its electric vehicles with low-cost renewable energy and analyse various energy storage technologies.

Redflow’s energy storage solution, containing 10 of its ZBM2 zinc-bromine flow batteries, will be provided for an initial six-month deployment, which is expected to commence in early June 2019.

Both companies are expected to benefit from the collaboration, with the project marking Redflow’s expansion into the China market and allowing ZbestPower to deepen its understanding of the potential for ZBM2 batteries in the region.

The project is “a key springboard to develop further projects in China”, said Redflow CEO Tim Harris.

“Energy storage in China is a large strategic market opportunity for Redflow. The China Energy Storage Alliance has forecast China’s total electrochemical storage capacity will reach nearly 20 GW by 2023. With China transitioning to greater use of renewable energy, The China National Development and Reform Commission has called for greater investment in flow batteries that is leading to a surge in projects focused on flow battery solutions. Redflow is well placed to address these opportunities,” he continued.

ZbestPower CEO Luke Lu said: “Flow battery technology has been identified as a vital part of China’s energy storage future. We value the opportunity to work with Redflow, which is recognised as the world leader in zinc-bromine flow battery technology, to support the energy needs of China.”

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