Posh Electric is trialling the use of sodium-ion batteries in EES. Sodium is more naturally abundant than lithium, making it a potentially cheaper alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries in future, according to EMA.
The sodium-ion batteries could enable the shift of electricity demand by storing electricity during peak periods and releasing it during times of peak demand. The technology has not yet been deployed in Singapore and the trial will evaluate the performance of batteries in local climate.
Meanwhile, VFlowTech is studying the potential for locating EES underground, which minimises the land required. This study will also test the use of a lithium-ion (LI) and vanadium-flow (VF) hybrid battery system.
These battery systems have their respective strengths — lithium-ion batteries have high energy density, while vanadium-flow batteries are suitable for long duration storage and have a reduced fire risk.
See also: Sembcorp’s subsidiary signs agreement for potential import of green electricity from Sarawak
“A hybrid system offers the potential for an integrated solution, using LIBs for quick-response ancillary services and VFBs for extended backup storage,” says EMA.
“As Singapore expands solar deployment, energy storage systems will become more important to enhance grid resilience and ensure power system stability. I welcome the development of energy storage systems that are safe, cost-effective and space-efficient,” says EMA CEO Puah Kok Keong.
