Project ESBA-HIC in collaboration with Greenport Pernis Rotterdam

Within the ESBA-HIC project, partners HDM Maassluis and Greenport Pernis Rotterdam are developing an Energy Storage by Air (ESBA) system at the Greenport location in the Port Industrial Complex (HIC). This system will serve as a storage medium for electrical energy with a storage capacity of 1 MWh and a power output of 350 KWe. As a result, this ESBA can be fully charged and discharged in less than three hours, allowing for relatively quick energy storage and utilization, both for self-use and for returning energy to the power grid when there is demand, and the price is favorable. This three-year project is being conducted as a feasibility study.

Energy Storage by Air (ESBA) stores electrical energy using compressed air, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical batteries. The storage of electrical energy is crucial for balancing the mismatch between the generation and supply of green energy, such as from solar panels or wind turbines. Energy storage can be used for self-consumption, charging electric forklifts, terminal tractors, and loaders, or for shore power to serve ships. It can also be used to return energy to the power grid when there is demand and the price is favorable. Additionally, businesses can use the energy for Renewable Fuel Units (HBEs), which the partners can either use themselves or sell to other companies. An ESBA is in the same price range as a chemical battery but offers several significant advantages:

1. Total Cost of Ownership: ESBA’s total cost of ownership is lower than that of chemical batteries, as its capacity does not degrade with an increasing number of charge-discharge cycles.
2. Lifespan: ESBA has a lifespan of at least 20 years under full operation, compared to approximately 6-7 years for chemical batteries.
3. Profitability: Due to the above reasons, ESBA offers much higher profitability compared to chemical batteries.
4. Recyclability: All components of ESBA are fully recyclable, unlike chemical batteries.
5. Low Maintenance: ESBA systems require minimal maintenance and are easy to replace or refurbish.
6. Scalability: ESBA systems can be easily scaled to larger power outputs and capacities, from 5 KW(h) to several MW(h).

Following this project, HDM plans to supply other companies within the HIC with ESBAs for energy storage and utilization. This will significantly reduce CO2 emissions within the HIC and promote sustainability.