The project will integrate long-duration energy storage with renewable electricity generation, helping maximise the use of wind power while easing pressure on the grid.
The collaboration will be delivered in phases, beginning with the installation of Elestor’s final pre-commercial hydrogen-iron flow battery. The demonstration system will validate the technology under real-world operating conditions before a commercially ready production battery is deployed.
Once complete, the system will deliver up to 20MW of power with a storage duration of between 10 and 40 hours. Depending on the final configuration, it will provide between 200MWh and 800MWh of storage capacity, reducing grid congestion and improving the availability of renewable electricity.
Designed for frequent cycling over extended periods, Elestor’s hydrogen-iron flow battery uses abundant materials including hydrogen and iron, offering a scalable solution for long-duration energy storage alongside large-scale wind generation.
Supporting renewable generation with long-duration energy storage
Unlike conventional battery systems designed for short-term balancing, the hydrogen-iron flow battery is intended to store excess electricity generated during periods of high wind output and discharge it when demand rises or grid capacity becomes available.
The storage facility will connect directly to Windpark Zeewolde’s energy infrastructure, allowing wind generation and storage to operate as an integrated system. This approach aims to reduce peak loads on the electricity network while making more effective use of existing grid connections.
The project also represents a significant commercial step for Elestor as it moves its technology from pre-commercial demonstration to large-scale deployment in a real-world renewable energy environment.
Hylke van Bennekom, CEO, Elestor, commented: “For Elestor, this marks a major milestone in scaling up our technology.
“The combination of large-scale wind production and long-duration energy storage shows how we can bring more flexibility, security of supply, and renewable energy into the system.”
Windpark Zeewolde expands its role as an energy hub
Windpark Zeewolde is owned entirely by the local community, bringing together more than 200 farmers, residents and entrepreneurs.
The addition of long-duration energy storage forms part of its broader strategy to evolve beyond electricity generation into a flexible renewable energy hub.
By combining wind power with large-scale energy storage, the site will be better equipped to balance electricity production with demand while supporting a more resilient energy system.
The partners expect the project to demonstrate how long-duration storage can improve the integration of renewable energy, maximise the value of existing grid infrastructure and strengthen the reliability of future low-carbon electricity networks.
