By:Solarquarter

In a global first, Aramco has successfully commissioned a megawatt-scale renewable energy storage system to support gas production activities, marking a major milestone in industrial energy storage innovation. The newly deployed Iron-Vanadium (Fe/V) flow battery is the first of its kind to be used as a solar backup power source for gas well operations worldwide.

The 1-MW/hour flow battery system is located in Wa’ad Al-Shamal, western Saudi Arabia, and was developed in partnership with Rongke Power, a leading global provider of flow battery technologies. Based on Aramco’s patented design, the system is engineered to function under Saudi Arabia’s extreme climate conditions, with an expected operational lifespan of 25 years. It is capable of powering up to five remote gas wells and offers a reliable and cost-efficient alternative to conventional solar energy storage systems.

Commenting on the development, Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco’s Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight & Coordination, said, “The pioneering flow battery system spearheaded by Aramco’s researchers represents a breakthrough for the oil and gas industry. It’s a flexible and scalable solution that can support a wide range of industrial energy storage needs, while also reducing emissions across our operations.”

Flow batteries, which store energy in liquid electrolytes separate from the battery cells, are known for their high durability, safety, and low maintenance costs. They offer consistent performance with minimal capacity degradation and pose lower fire risks compared to traditional battery types. Aramco’s new (Fe/V) battery also features improved electrolyte utilization and reduced vanadium consumption, with a broad temperature tolerance ranging from -8°C to 60°C—eliminating the need for thermal management systems.

This innovation is part of Aramco’s broader strategy to boost investment in renewable energy and enhance energy efficiency. It supports the company’s goal of achieving net-zero and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across all wholly-owned operated assets by 2050.

The deployment of this Fe/V flow battery sets the stage for future applications at isolated and unmanned oil and gas sites, offering a resilient and adaptive solution to meet variable power demands without incurring additional energy costs.