Slovakia will introduce its first grid-scale Pumped Thermal Energy Storage system, powered by Echogen Technology.
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Slovakia is set to become a pioneer in renewable and stable power systems with the development of Europe's first grid-scale Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) system. The project, expected to be operational by 2030, will feature a 300 MW power capacity and 1,200 MWh energy storage, enough to power up to 385,000 homes.
The PTES technology, provided by Echogen Power Systems, an American company specializing in supercritical CO₂ power systems and clean energy innovation, uses an electrically driven heat pump to store electricity as thermal energy and later convert it back to electricity via a high-efficiency heat engine. This results in a lower cost of long-duration storage compatible with various energy sources such as hydro, wind, solar, thermal, and conventional fuels.
The development will involve a comprehensive feasibility study and front-end engineering and design (FEED) phase to optimize system design. Additionally, local suppliers and workforce will be leveraged to boost the regional economy in Slovakia.
Partners in the project include Echogen Power Systems, headquartered in Akron, Ohio. While specific local partners beyond Echogen are not detailed, Slovenské Elektrárne, Slovakia’s largest electricity producer, has been active in energy project contracts, and large strategic partnerships among other global firms are ongoing in related energy sectors in the region.
This project sets a precedent for scalable, low-cost long-duration energy storage in Europe, positioning Slovakia as a leader in the transition to renewable and stable power systems. The project is a significant milestone in the global transition to resilient, low-carbon energy infrastructure, aiming to maximize renewable energy use, improve grid stability, and support EU decarbonization and energy independence goals.
For more information about Echogen Power Systems, visit their website at www.echogen.com. The original content for this press release can be downloaded from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/echogen-technology-to-enable-europes-first-grid-scale-pumped-thermal-energy-storage-system-in-slovakia-302518850.html. Echogen Power Systems can also be followed on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/echogen-power-systems.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Location | Slovakia | | Technology | Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) | | Capacity | 300 MW | | Energy Storage | 1,200 MWh | | Operational Timeline | Expected by 2030 | | Key Technology Provider | Echogen Power Systems (USA) | | Project Goals | Maximize renewables, grid stability, EU decarbonization | | Economic Impact | Use of local suppliers and workforce |
[1] Echogen Power Systems, "Echogen Technology to Enable Europe's First Grid-Scale Pumped Thermal Energy Storage System in Slovakia," PR Newswire, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/echogen-technology-to-enable-europes-first-grid-scale-pumped-thermal-energy-storage-system-in-slovakia-302518850.html. [Accessed 2022]. [2] Echogen Power Systems, "About Us," Echogen Power Systems, 2022. [Online]. Available: http://www.echogen.com/about. [Accessed 2022]. [3] Westinghouse Electric Company, "Westinghouse Electric Company and Echogen Power Systems Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Long Duration Energy Storage Solutions," Westinghouse Electric Company, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.westinghousenuclear.com/news/westinghouse-electric-company-and-echogen-power-systems-sign-memorandum-of-understanding-for-long-duration-energy-storage-solutions. [Accessed 2022]. [4] Slovenské Elektrárne, "Projects," Slovenské Elektrárne, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.se.sk/en/projects. [Accessed 2022]. [5] Euroactive, "Slovakia's energy sector: A look at the country's strategic partnerships," Euroactive, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.euroactive.com/slovakia/slovakia-s-energy-sector-a-look-at-the-country-s-strategic-partnerships/9656782-1785594. [Accessed 2022].
- The incoming construction of Europe's first grid-scale Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) system in Slovakia is set to contribute to a shift in the region's infrastructure, mainly in the renewable energy and environmental science sectors.
- The project, spearheaded by Echogen Power Systems, is expected to provide the technology to store thermal energy and convert it back to electricity, contributing to the growth of energy-oriented technology and data-and-cloud-computing industries.
- The investment in this PTES system is also predicted to bolster Slovakia's economy, particularly by supporting local suppliers and workforce, which aligns with the nation's objective of promoting sustainable growth.
- With the aim of maximizing renewable energy use and improving grid stability, the project's objectives are well in line with the European Union's decarbonization and energy independence goals, signifying a substantial stride towards a greener and more resilient future.
- As Slovakia carves a path in renewable energy, the country's environmental-science sector is expected to receive substantial attention, potentially leading to increased collaboration within the industry and attracting further investment.
- The financial implications of the project extend beyond Slovakia's borders as well, as it sets a precedent for scalable and cost-effective long-duration energy storage systems, inspiring similar developments within the wider global energy industry.
