Some time ago, I talked about iron batteries as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Today, the news is confirmed by the existence of an American company, Forn Energy, which is already marketing this type of battery. The technology, based on the reversible oxidation of iron, presents fascinating potential, especially in applications where cost and durability are priorities, and weight is irrelevant.
You can see the website at https://formenergy.com/technology/battery-technology/
As I mentioned in previous posts, the operating principle of these batteries is relatively simple. The electrolyte is iron, and when the battery is discharged, this iron absorbs oxygen, converting into iron oxide. Charging is achieved by applying an electric current, forcing the iron oxide to return to its metallic form. This reversible oxidation is a well-known chemical process that is now being used to store energy.
And here we can see a simplified representation of the process (as shown in the photo below).
However, the reality of batteries is more complex. The photo below shows the closest possible appearance of what the cells of these batteries look like in reality.
One of the most notable features of iron batteries is their low cost. A storage cost of $20/kW places them in a very advantageous position compared to lithium-ion batteries, which reach costs ten times higher. This affordability makes them an attractive solution for various applications. Their greater weight, on the other hand, is a factor to take into account, although in many situations, as we will see, it is irrelevant.
Key Advantages of Iron Batteries:
. Low cost: Iron is an abundant and inexpensive material, which directly impacts the final price of the battery.
. High durability: Iron batteries are designed to withstand repetitive charge and discharge cycles, making them ideal for backup applications.
. Long-term storage: They have the ability to store energy for extended periods, an essential factor in many stationary applications.
. Delayed energy delivery: Energy delivery can be controlled and regulated over time, making them suitable for systems that require a gradual supply.
A promising application area for iron batteries is in backup systems, especially in renewable energy installations. Imagine a wind farm or a solar power plant: an energy storage system based on these batteries can ensure continuity of electricity supply even when production from renewable sources is intermittent. The ability of these batteries to store energy for long periods, combined with their low probability of failure, makes them a strategic component in these systems.
Form Energy has won a major contract to supply a 15- to 1,500-MW/hour energy storage system to the utility Georgia Power. This contract is a sign of growing confidence in the technology and, we hope, an indication of many more contracts to come.
Iron batteries, based on the reversible oxidation of iron, represent an interesting and competitive alternative to lithium-ion batteries, especially for stationary applications. Their low cost, high durability, and long-term storage capacity position them as a technology with great potential for the future, especially in backup systems for renewable energy facilities.
The potential of iron batteries, supported by companies like Form Energy and others, deserves special attention, and we hope to see their implementation in a wide variety of sectors.
Everyone will end up winning.
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