ESS’ iron flow battery technology will enable air-side electrification and help advance Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s sustainability strategy.
ESS, a manufacturer of long-duration energy storage systems for commercial and utility-scale applications, will deliver its iron flow battery solution to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the second largest airport in mainland Europe, in Q1 2023. The Energy Warehouse will be used in a pilot to enable the retirement of polluting diesel generators in the future as part of Schiphol Airport’s ambitious sustainability plan. Schiphol aims to be a zero-waste and emission-free airport by 2030.
A pilot will be carried out with the Energy Warehouse to recharge Electric Ground Power Units (E-GPU), the batteries which will replace the diesel ground power units currently used to supply electrical power to aircraft when parked at the airport. ESS’ solution was selected for its environmental and safety performance – its safe and non-toxic iron flow batteries pose no fire or explosion risk, which makes them safe for use in close proximity to passenger aircraft.
“We hope that the partnership with ESS enables Schiphol to advance our electrification and decarbonisation strategy,” said Oscar Maan, Royal Schiphol Group manager of innovation. “If this pilot is successful, this is a double win as it both cuts our carbon footprint and reduces air pollution. This pilot will also be part of TULIPS [DemonsTrating lower pollUting soLutions for sustaInable airPorts acrosS Europe].
“Royal Schiphol Group is leading the TULIPS consortium, funded by the EU as part of the European Green Deal. The consortium aims to speed up the rollout of sustainable technologies in aviation and significantly contribute towards zero emissions and zero waste at the EU’s 300+ airports by 2030 and climate-neutral aviation by 2050.”
ESS iron flow technology provides cost-effective long-duration energy storage and is ideal for applications that require up to 12 hours of flexible energy capacity. ESS systems provide resilient, sustainable energy storage well-suited for multiple use cases including utility-scale renewable energy installations, remote solar and storage microgrids, solar load-shifting and peak shaving, and other ancillary grid services. The technology is safe, non-toxic and has a 25-year design life without capacity fade, the manufacturer said.
Image: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
