In an initiative that sets a benchmark in the energy industry, Aramco has activated at Wa’ad Al-Shamal (Saudi Arabia) the world’s first Fe/V (iron-vanadium flow) battery system. Fe/V (iron-vanadium flow) battery system to power to power gas production activities with solar energy. The installation, with a capacity of 1 megawatt/hour, is a robust solution for remote sites with high variable energy demand.
This system was developed together with Rongke Power, a leader in flow storage technology, and is based on an Aramco patent. It is designed to operate efficiently in temperatures ranging from -8 °C to 60 °C without the need for cooling systems, making it particularly suitable for desert environments.
Innovation in storage with Fe/V flow batteries
Fe/V flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes separated from the cells, allowing multiple recharges without significant loss of capacity. This approach reduces the risk of fire compared to other technologies and also makes them easier to maintain thanks to their modular architecture, according to Infobae.
According to Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco’s Senior Vice President of Technology, this breakthrough replaces traditional lead-acid systems with a technology that is more flexible, efficient and suitable for multiple industrial applications. They are already being used to power up to five gas wells wells over their estimated 25-year lifespan.
Towards low-carbon operations
This deployment aligns with Aramco’s sustainability goals, which focus on achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050 across all of its operated assets. It also contributes to reducing dependence on conventional energy systems by integrating renewable solutions into key industrial processes.
The system represents an attractive alternative for the expansion of clean technologies in the oil sector, especially in isolated or unmanned areas, providing a resilient energy source in the face of demand variability.
With this development, the company reaffirms its commitment to technological innovation as a tool for an effective and responsible energy transition.
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Source: Aramco
Photo: Shutterstock
