BESS Research procures 2MW-8MWh of CellCube componentry technology to jointly develop localised large-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries to meet Australian conditions and demand for Long-Duration Energy Storage

September 29, 2022 – Wiener Neudorf, Austria and Perth, Western Australia

The global high-tech leader for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFB), Enerox GmbH, better known as ‘CellCube’, and battery configuration researcher BESS Research Pty Ltd are joining forces to stake their place in long-duration energy storage (LDES) in Australasia. BESS and CellCube will collectively research and develop the CellCube technology further to roll out localised, functionalised and recyclable to-scale CellCube systems to meet the demand for hundreds of megawatts which is required to build net-zero applications in line with the 2030 targets of the Australian government.

The Western Australian membrane technology innovator Nanomem Solutions Limited will also be engaged to assist in improving the existing proton exchange membranes currently used in redox flow batteries and securing localised vanadium electrolyte sources in Australia.

On a staged base, BESS Research has procured the pilot CellCube’s licensed technology, equipment, software, componentry, and services to deploy a VRFB system of up to a size of 2MW–8MWh. BESS envisages securing the design and development of additional novel components as new knowledge and configurations are developed to meet the Australian market’s wide-ranging uses and harsh conditions.

Following successful outcome of the BESS R&D functionalisation program and the development generation of new Australian and global knowledge, the partners expect to release localized CellCube systems for Australian clients in the second half of 2023 – for trialling across a number of sites with a variety of harsh and complex Australian weather conditions. The objective is to pre-dominantly support industrial and commercial microgrid systems where customers are seeking to enhance their renewable generation with long-duration energy storage (4+ hours) to decarbonise their energy supply and contribute to Australian decarbonisation targets.

Andrew McKee, Managing Director at Nanomem, a pioneer in the Vanadium industry, having co-developed Australia’s first and only Vanadium mine and processing plant at Windimurra, Western Australia, says “We are facing a high demand for double-digit MW storage systems in remote areas. Australian customers want to see a successful proof of concept project with a megawatt battery storage delivering power and energy for multiple hours – a complete storage technology covered by bankable performance guarantees and with the ability to leverage finance through PPAs. We have engaged with R&D provider BESS to perform the functionalisation for Australian conditions on the VRFB technology. A stationary battery with large and quick dispatchability shifting energy without degradation is the missing link for our renewable future. Our partner CellCube is the global VRFB leader for this microgrid application, and BESS/CellCube will provide this piece of the puzzle that makes 24/7 renewable power possible”.

Alexander Schoenfeldt, CEO of CellCube says: “We are excited that the Australian Government has put R&D at the forefront of their financial support to strengthen the localisation of technology and production to achieve net-zero with an Australian value chain. This cooperation follows our business strategy to establish regional offerings and working with local supply chain partners to build megawatt microgrids in our key markets. As started in North America and South Africa, we are now keen to start business in Australia and, as such, mobilising key staff to build local knowledge and teams and value in Australia for the Australian market.”

About CellCube

Under its trademark ‘CellCube’ the US and Austrian based Enerox GmbH develops, manufactures and deploys Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. ‘VRFB’s are sustainable, long-duration energy storage systems, securing and accelerating the energy transition towards a future of net-zero renewable power generation. Enerox is a developing pioneer and the global technology and industry leader in its field of operation. The bankable VRFB systems suite various microgrid applications alongside four focused business segments: resilient microgrids for industrial and commercial customers, energy storage for remote microgrids and island solutions as well as long-duration back-up systems for green and critical infrastructure facilities. CellCube systems have been deployed in over 140 projects across 20 countries on the planet. www.cellcube.com

About Nanomem Solutions

Nanomem Solutions Ltd leverages years of research and development to manufacture patented nanomembrane technology for various applications. The company’s suite of IP developments has expanded into ion-exchange membranes for desalination, acid separation and mineral reclamation technologies. Understanding the high operational costs and fossil fuel-generated emissions – pyro-metallurgical processing incorporating hydro-met membrane separation technology will be methods for future processing. Membrane processes are generally cost-effective and are characterised by energy-efficient and environmentally friendly operation. The company specialises in creating value from waste streams and is aggressively pursuing several opportunities related to and supporting the growing battery energy storage systems renewable market. www.nanomem.net

About BESS Research

BESS Research is a research and development-focused company with the primary aim of breaking down the barriers limiting Australian industries’ adoption of large-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries renewable energy storage systems. While the VRFB was conceived in Australia in the late 1980s, it has seen limited use in its country of origin. BESS has designed a staged R&D program that will facilitate and provide comfort to Australian industries considering the VRFB as a large-scale and recyclable LDES solution for microgrids in remote regions for Australian conditions. www.BESSresearch.com

Contact:

Alexander Schoenfeldt
CEO CellCube Inc., Denver, Colorado & CEO Enerox GmbH,
Wr. Neudorf, Austria
Alexander.Schoenfeldt@cellcube.com

Yvonne Steinhaeusser
Head of Corporate & Marketing Communications, Enerox GmbH,
Wr. Neudorf, Austria
Yvonne.Steinhaeusser@cellcube.com
+43 676 843 669 126

Andrew Mckee
Managing Director, Nanomem Solutions, Perth, Western Australia
Andrew@nanomem.net

Tom Walker
BESS Research Pty Ltd
Tom@BESSResearch.com