Battolyser Systems, a spin-off of Delft University of Technology, has achieved a significant milestone by installing its first industrial-scale Battolyser system at RWE's Magnum power plant in the Netherlands. The hydrogen produced by the system will be used to cool the plant's generators.
The project was made possible by a grant from the Wadden Fund and the consortium partners Vattenfall, Orsted, Yara, BASF, and Pronton Ventures. RWE joined the consortium after acquiring the Magnum power plant from Vattenfall.
A Battolyser is a unique combination of a battery and an electrolyser in one device. Once the battery is charged, the Battolyser can use excess electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen produced can be used for a variety of industrial applications, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, if there are shortages on the grid, a Battolyser can deliver the stored electricity back to the grid, making the produced hydrogen more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
The setup at RWE's Magnum power plant will be used to simulate long-term volatile price scenarios. The Battolyser will continue to charge and produce hydrogen when electricity prices remain low, but when prices rise, it will immediately stop producing hydrogen and sell the stored electricity.
Marinus Tabak, Head of Central Asset Management at RWE, said, “It is a logical choice for us to invest with our consortium partners in the first industrial-scale Battolyser system. We are increasingly investing in renewable energy sources and see hydrogen as an essential link to the energy transition. The technology of the Battolyser system enables a sustainable and more efficient energy system. This way we can reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy supply.”
The installation of the Battolyser system at RWE's Magnum power plant is a significant step forward in the development of renewable energy sources and reducing the world's dependency on fossil fuels. It is also a testament to the power of collaboration between industry leaders to bring about positive change. As Battolyser Systems continues to innovate, the future looks bright for a more sustainable and efficient energy system.