Redflow batteries tapped to power US air force base, in military microgrid trial

Brisbane-based Redflow continues to kick goals in the US energy storage market, after being tapped to supply its long-duration flow batteries for a “ground-breaking microgrid project” at an air force base in New York.

Redflow said on Monday it has signed a $US2.83 million contract with the United States Department of Defense’s innovation unit (DIU) to supply a 1.2-1.4MWh zinc-bromine flow battery system to repower the existing solar microgrid at the Stewart Air National Guard Base.

The prototype microgrid project, in which Redflow will partner with engineering outfit Ameresco, aims to provide energy resilience for critical loads at the military base, while also offering peak shaving services for the New York state grid.

If successful, the solar and flow battery solution could be rolled out across numerous US Department of Defense facilities and critical infrastructure around the world, the companies say.

Redflow’s batteries, while currently more costly than their lithium-ion counterparts, offer longer duration storage using a chemistry that is sustainable, fire-resistant, operable in extremes of temperature and capable of 100% depth of discharge.

For Redflow, the Department of Defense contract includes overall program management, a two-year service agreement and a training program, on top of the supply and installation of the battery.

Ameresco, meanwhile, will take care of all other site and procurement work and operations and maintenance of all non-BESS equipment, reporting, and training for the microgrid.

The potentially lucrative deal stems from Redflow’s selection for US Defense’s Extended Duration Storage for Installations program, which seeks to deliver energy resilience and backup power across the department’s more than 450 global bases.

“We have been working with the Defense Innovation Unit for the past year to support their energy resilience objectives across the military’s global operations,” said Redflow CEO and managing director Tim Harris.

“To be selected as the solution provider is validation that Redflow’s LDES solutions hold the potential to deliver
significant benefits to US Department of Defense installations worldwide,” he said.

“This groundbreaking microgrid project at Stewart Air National Guard Base exemplifies the deployment of innovative technologies to deliver resilient, sustainable solutions at US military installations,” said Nicole Bulgarino, executive vice president at Ameresco.

“Together with Redflow, we’re energised to witness how this microgrid will bolster base resilience and set new standards for clean energy advancement, inspiring a green and resilient future for US Department of Defense installations worldwide.”

Deployment and commissioning of the microgrid is planned for the second half of 2024, the companies say.