Alia2 project, an innovative R&D initiative focused on large-scale electric power storage.

IBERDROLA INGENIERÍA, together with the Basque companies Cegasa, Oldar, Ikor and Orona, is carrying out the Alia2 project, an innovative R&D initiative focused on large-scale electric power storage.

This consortium has successfully completed the first stage of the project, which involved the design and construction of a system based on lithium-ion capable of storing up to 150 kilowatts (kW).

The ultimate goal of this ambitious initiative, which was launched in 2010, is to build a Storage System based on lithium-ion with a capacity of several megawatts/hour that will be capable of delivering an amount of power five times greater than the energy stored in only 10 minutes, and will be the most powerful and reliable system available on the market when it comes into operation.

For the last three years, the Basque regional government, through the business development agency (SPRI), has been backing this project with funding channelled through research centres like IK4-CIDETEC and IK4-IKERLAN.

One innovative technological element of the ALIA2 project is the development of the battery pack concept, with a built-in cooling system, in a modular system where the lithium-ion cells are inserted as well as their corresponding protection systems, achieving the required voltage level and capacity. A control and protection module has also been created, which will be in charge of managing the electrical modules and will act as an interface with other modules or with the external grid system.

The new solution developed within the framework of this research will be highly relevant for electric power generation and distribution companies. These companies will be able to use this system in production plants using renewable energy, substations and transformer stations to improve grid services, the manageability of the energy produced and the synchronisation between production and demand.

In addition, this system, which uses 100% Basque technology, will undoubtedly also be extremely useful for other companies as a reliable alternative to electricity supply in the event of a supply failure in their facilities, namely: hospitals, trains, shopping centres, etc.

ALIA2, a project whose development is part of the IBERDROLA Group's firm commitment to innovation, is now in the testing stage, including the prototype and the auxiliary elements that will enable its integration into the electric grid.

Research into energy storage technologies has been in full expansion in recent years, particularly those based on lithium batteries. There are two driving forces in this area: the development of electric mobility, an area where the IBERDROLA Group is a global benchmark, and the integration of renewable energy into the electric grid, where the Company, as a global leader in wind power, has also played a key role.