On 12 December 2016, in Milan, Green Energy Storage presented one of the first concrete milestones in its technological development journey: a 3 kW organic flow battery designed to store energy generated from renewable sources.

It was an important moment in GES’s history. Even then, the company was working towards a clear goal: developing new solutions to make energy storage more sustainable, accessible and suited to the growing adoption of renewable energy.

The presentation showcased the results achieved through intensive research, engineering and development activities, while also introducing the public to the vision behind the project.

An organic molecule-based flow battery

The technology presented in 2016 used quinones, organic molecules found in nature and produced by plants during photosynthesis. At the time, the media helped popularise the technology as the “rhubarb battery”, as these molecules can also be derived from this plant.

The project was based on technology developed by Harvard University, which Green Energy Storage had begun transforming from an experimental prototype into an energy storage solution with greater size and power.

As explained during the presentation, the starting point had been a prototype with a power output of approximately 1 watt. Within a year, research and engineering activities had led to the development of a family of batteries starting at 3 kW and capable of reaching power outputs above 10 kW.

Storing energy from renewable sources

The development of energy storage systems was already considered a key factor in enabling the wider adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Renewable energy production does not necessarily coincide with the times when energy is needed. Storage systems make it possible to store available energy and use it at a later stage, supporting a more flexible and efficient management of the energy system.

The battery presented by Green Energy Storage was designed for different fields of application, ranging from residential buildings to commercial properties and businesses. The next phase of the project also included field testing and data collection activities together with Sorgenia.

A milestone in Green Energy Storage’s research journey

Looking back today, the December 2016 presentation represents one of the first milestones in Green Energy Storage’s research and development journey in the field of batteries and energy storage systems.

In the following years, the company continued to strengthen its expertise, evolving its technologies, materials and solutions while building proprietary know-how dedicated to long-duration energy storage and the energy transition.

The video highlights some of the key moments from the presentation and documents an important stage in GES’s technological evolution.

The presentation in the media

The event and the technology developed by Green Energy Storage were also covered by major Italian media outlets.

– ANSA – First “rhubarb batteries” expected on the market by 2018

– Sky TG24 – Made-in-Italy “rhubarb battery” expected in 2018

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