Friday 11 December 2020

Mercedes-Benz to supply energy storage systems for hydropower plants

Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH has partnered with international technology group ANDRITZ to supply energy storage systems for hydropower plants.

The partnership will see automotive lithium-ion batteries fitted to hydropower plants to improve their operational flexibility.

The system promises to offer power plant owners and operators an ability to protect their assets against potential electrical disruptions from the grid.

The partners said the stored energy could also extend the lifetime of mechanical components.

The system is designed to be applicable to all types and sizes of hydropower plant, covering battery capacities from 200kWh up to 10MWh.

Gordon Gassmann, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH, said: “The close interlinking of the energy and automotive industries is essential on the way to carbon-neutrality. With its innovative energy storage solutions, Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH forms the bridge between the two sectors."

Dr Martin Zimmermann, Head of Global Service and Parts Mercedes-Benz Cars, commented: “The battery is one of the most valuable components in the vehicle. So when calculating the economic benefits of local emission-free driving, it is also important to keep the battery in circulation as long as possible. We rely on concepts that enable high-quality recovery of valuable components and materials. Reuse, remanufacturing and recycling."