The German-Australian Alliance for Electrochemical Technologies for the Storage of Renewable Energy – “ZENITH”
The constantly increasing proportion of renewable energy supplied to the grid means that energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important. Until now, very few energy storage technologies have been able to reach the required levels of technical maturity at competitive costs, especially in the area of electricity storage. Since 2017 the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are working closely together as an alliance to intensify research activities in the field of electrochemical energy storage systems and to establish a joint international research center for stationary energy storage (CENELEST) at UNSW in Sydney, Australia.
The aim of this cooperation is to strengthen the world-class expertise in redox flow batteries, and concurrently develop other types of batteries and fuel cells in order to cover the entire range of electrochemical energy storage needs. Through the exchange of already existing extensive knowledge, advanced modern equipment and research networks, topics can be tackled more efficiently than would be possible with the partners acting individually. Within the framework of this process, common research preferences have been established and started at an early stage. These activities are continuously being developed through the exchange of researchers and students between institutions. This allows innovative research with additional topics on the economic operation of stationary energy storage solutions to be taken into account both in general and in connection with renewable energy networks. In the context of linking fundmental research (UNSW: simulation, materials, heat transfer, rapid prototyping, chemistry) and applied research (ICT: electrochemistry, cells, systems, production) the work is not only focused on scientific competences, but also on the requirements of industry. This provides industry easier access to the extensive capabilities of both institutions. In addition to the core competencies, this also allows for an in-depth analysis of interdisciplinary issues, e. g. together with the areas of weather forecasting, control systems, grid integration, as well as social aspects, safety and life cycle assessment.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are working closely together as an alliance to intensify research activities in the field of electrochemical energy storage systems and to establish a joint international research center for stationary energy storage (CENELEST) at UNSW in Sydney, Australia. The aim of this cooperation is to strengthen the world-class expertise in redox flow batteries, and concurrently develop other types of batteries and fuel cells in order to cover the entire range of electrochemical energy storage needs for renewable energy.