Elektron Energy, the fast growing lead-acid energy storage firm and recent EU Eureka Eurostars grant winner based in Strand, has launched Energy Storage as a service for stationary applications, where it intends to become the largest owner of deployed energy storage solutions in Africa.
Using its licence of Mega Amps UK’s Permabat and EQLYTE battery technologies, Elektron has engaged with several South African venture capital and private equity firms eager to participate in the funding of solutions directly to clients.
The technology being deployed is also a world first, with Elektron guaranteeing load shedding coverage of up to three two-hour load sheds a day, which can be fully catered for without affecting the life and efficiency of the battery system.
In addition to generating revenue from the provision of back-up storage services, it is also facilitating time-of-use discharging – storing electricity generated during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak demand periods.
Locally, Elektron has been running a peak demand management system at the Engen Paradyskloof service station for over 4 years, significantly reducing their monthly electricity bills.
In July, the company announced it is the proud major grant recipient from Eureka Eurostars, supported by the national Department of Science and Technology for the research and development of next generation bipolar batteries. The move towards greater, more efficient and more cost-effective battery systems, which can compete with more advanced chemistries has been the focus of the lead acid battery industry for years.
It is anticipated that the Elektron bipolar cells will deliver at least a 50% performance improvement over traditional lead acid battery technology and, coupled with innovative manufacturing and recycling infrastructure, be far more cost efficient to manufacture.
Elektron Energy’s technology optimises the system’s operating profile to maximise revenue opportunities throughout the day, applying designed state of charge management techniques, while limiting the degradation of the battery lifetime to the lowest value possible. Coupling the innovative storage technology benefits with an innovative funding structure can allow prospective customers, especially those already using solar PV, to maximise overall system returns as opposed to feeding back into the grid at lower rebate rates.
Says Neill Human, director of Elektron Energy South Africa: “Elektron’s affordable energy storage technology is perfectly poised to help South African businesses face the imminent and increasing threat of loadshedding and ever-increasing electricity tariffs. From a business perspective there’s more to unlocking value from it than putting a battery in a field.
“We’re using the latest Mega Amps battery technology to manipulate and manage battery performance in real-time. By understanding and managing state of charge in relation to fluctuations in electricity supply and demand, coupled with unprecedented rapid recharge capabilities we can maximise revenues and minimise battery wear and tear.”
Elektron is developing energy storage systems throughout South Africa and currently evaluating multi-MW opportunities for stationary energy storage deployments.
“Mega Amps has ambitious deployment targets for energy storage globally and this leasing model by Neill and the team at Elektron is an exciting step forward for our technology and the industry as a whole,” explains Frank Pretorius of Mega Amps UK.
Elektron is initially targeting the commercial and industrial sectors in SA, including municipalities, and later Eskom with grid-scale deployment the natural next step.
Enquire about the system via www.elektron-energy.co.za.
