In this interview, Hendrik Plate, Sales Manager for Energy Storage Solutions in Oberhausen, provides an outlook for MAN long-duration energy storage technology to supplement ETES.
MAN People: Hendrik Plate, where does MAN ES stand when it comes to using turbomachinery for storing energy?
Hendrik Plate: We are working continuously on CAES (Compressed Air Energy Storage) projects and orders, and solutions with liquefied process media – with cryogenic, liquid air as used in LAES (Liquid Air Energy Storage) and liquid carbon dioxide as used in the CO2 battery. In the case of LAES, the second project phase is now under way at the Carrington site in Manchester, England. The flywheel and generator for grid stabilization are in production. The work on the actual LAES, which is based on a high-temperature integrally geared compressor for air liquefaction, is proceeding apace. In the discharge section, two air turbines – two-casing steam turbine derivatives – are being used for energy supply. Commissioning of the system by our partner Highview Power is scheduled for late 2025. We are working just as intensively on the projects for Italian startup Energy Dome. Since carbon dioxide can be liquefied with little energy expenditure at ambient temperature, the CO2 battery has an efficiency advantage. CAES trains with output ratings of between 100 and 500 MW are in demand in the USA, Canada and Australia in particular.
It is not possible to predict which technologies will ultimately come out on top with any certainty, as the market for long-duration energy storage is still at an early stage and new technology approaches are evolving in parallel. We expect the market to take off from 2025 onwards.
What advantages do energy storage solutions based on turbomachinery technology offer?
We offer very sustainable solutions that have been in use for 30 years or more. These solutions are free from chemicals and do not require expensive materials like lithium or rare earth elements, the mining of which is frequently problematic. Moreover, the hazard and fire potential is extremely small, and there are no disposal or recycling costs as with conventional batteries. LAES in particular offers a high degree of geographic independence and can be used anywhere in the world, in addition to which the installations can easily be expanded with larger tanks. Most importantly, we have the right machines for all long-duration energy storage systems based on compression or turbine technology. They offer high availability and their temperature adaptability is another point in their favor.
Are we competitive in this market environment with our machines?
MAN ES has the know-how to provide the various storage technologies with competitive turbomachinery solutions. It is not possible to predict which technologies will ultimately come out on top with any certainty, as the market for long-duration energy storage is still at an early stage and new technology approaches are evolving in parallel. We expect the market to take off from 2025 onwards.
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