LONDON & SYDNEY: European renewables giant Acciona Energía has chosen Anglo-Australian energy storage innovator Gelion plc (AIM:GELN) to trial its zinc-bromide battery technology at Acciona Energía’s solar plant in Navarra, northern Spain.

After a global search for emerging innovative storage technologies through the I’MNOVATION program, the Spanish company selected Gelion from a highly competitive field.

As part of Acciona Energía’s commitment to environmental programs, it launched I’MNOVATION to discover emerging innovative solutions in energy storage, through collaboration with businesses around the world.

Ten energy storage companies participated in the program with four selected to proceed, including Gelion. The successful startups will have the opportunity to test and trial their technologies for a period of six months to a year at the experimental Montes del Cierzo 1.2MW‑peak photovoltaic plant in Tudela, Navarra after July 2022.

Gelion has developed breakthrough battery technology for the stationary storage of renewable energy based on non-flow zinc-bromide chemistry that can be manufactured in existing lead-acid battery factories.

The company is commercialising its Endure batteries to tap into the huge growth taking place in energy storage as the global economy transitions to renewable energy. Gelion’s batteries are a safe, high-temperature tolerant, lower-cost and robust alternative to lithium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage.

If the trials with Acciona Energía are successful, Gelion’s Endure battery will form part of the European company’s supplier portfolio as a renewable energy storage provider.

Acciona Energía is one of Europe’s largest sustainable technology companies, with renewable energy and sustainable technology projects on every populated continent.

Gelion CEO, Andrew Grimes, said: “This is a strong show of confidence in our robust energy storage technology. After listing on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market, we are tremendously pleased to have been selected by Acciona to trial our batteries in-field at its experimental renewable energy facilities.”

Acciona Energía’s Research Manager, María Ángeles Medrano, said: “At Acciona Energía’s Innovation Department, we seek convergence between the best storage solutions and the most innovative technologies, allowing us to improve the operation of renewable generation and offer the best grid services.”

Gelion Founder and Principal Technology Advisor, Professor Thomas Maschmeyer, said: “Acciona Energía’s vision aligns well with our own. It is focused on developing commercial solutions that invest in the planet, specifically for renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and clean water production.

“Our battery technology is ideally suited to support the energy transition as the world acts to prevent a deepening of the climate crisis.”

Gelion was spun out of the University of Sydney in 2015 to commercialise the breakthrough battery technology developed by Professor Thomas Maschmeyer, recipient of the 2020 Australian Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation.

The company successfully floated on London’s AIM market last year to access capital to further accelerate its path to full commercialisation.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Gelion
Marcus Strom | Corporate Communications Manager | mstrom@gelion.com

Acciona Energía Spain
Luisa Gómez | lmgomezg@acciona.com

Acciona Energía Australia
Emma Reiners | emma.reiners@acciona.com

ABOUT GELION

Gelion is a global renewable-energy storage innovator. By designing some of the world’s best batteries for stationary and mobile energy, we support the transition to a sustainable economy while delivering value for customers and investors.

For more information visit gelion.com.

ABOUT ACCIONA ENERGÍA

Acciona Energía is the world’s largest 100% clean-energy operator, with 11,188MW installed in leading renewable technologies.

The company has power generation assets based on renewable sources, which as of 30 June 2021, amounted to 11,188 MW: 78% of these are from wind power, 13% photovoltaic, 8% hydroelectric and the rest correspond to facilities in biomass and solar thermal energy plants.

51% of the capacity in which it has a stake is located in Spain, while the rest is distributed throughout 15 countries: Australia, United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Croatia, Ukraine, India, South Africa and Egypt.

For more information visit acciona-energia.com.