Product
NGK Receives Order for NAS Batteries for large-scale green hydrogen production project
April 23, 2024
NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (hereinafter “NGK”) has received an order from BASF Stationary Energy Storage GmbH (hereinafter “BSES”), a subsidiary of German chemical manufacturer BASF SE, for NAS Batteries for a large-scale green hydrogen production project, developed by HH2E, a German green hydrogen producer.
The NAS batteries that have been ordered have a maximum output of 18 megawatts and a capacity of 104.4megawatt-hours (72 container-type NAS batteries). They are part of the large-scale project for green hydrogen* production currently under development on the Baltic Sea shore in the north of Germany. The current order is the first delivery batch of the NAS batteries with total capacity of more than 230 megawatt-hours reserved by HH2E for this project. Negotiations for next deliveries are also underway.
The NAS batteries will be charged with electricity from intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and will supply power to the electrolyzer for the green hydrogen production process, ensuring efficient utilization of renewable energies and stable green hydrogen production. NAS batteries, capable of high-capacity and long-duration discharge, are well-suited for shifting peak loads over an extended period using electricity derived from renewable energy sources.
The NAS batteries’ track record, safety and high reliability as energy storage technology have been highly evaluated, leading to their adoption in this project. This is the first commercial adoption of NAS batteries for green hydrogen production projects.
Efforts by countries and companies around the world to decarbonize their business activities and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 are accelerating. Germany, a leading country in renewable energy, aims to become a global leader in hydrogen technologies and has set a target of achieving 10 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
NGK and BSES established a sales partnership agreement for NAS batteries in 2019 and have expanded NAS battery sales through BASF’s global sales network. NAS batteries are used in various applications including those that involve stabilizing renewable energy, balancing electric power demand and supply, and serving as emergency power sources. They have so far been installed in over 250 locations around the world and have a stable operational track record of more than 20 years. NGK will continue to partner with BSES to further promote marketing and sales activities for NAS batteries, contributing to the expansion of renewable energy introduction and the realization of carbon neutrality globally.
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※Green hydrogen: Hydrogen produced without emitting CO2 during the manufacturing process, using renewable energy sources
Start of Operation of NAS Battery for Demonstration Project of KEPCO Acceleration of Proposal for Renewable Energy Application, etc. in Partnership with BASF
Overview of the Ordered NAS Battery
| Installation site | North Germany |
|---|---|
| Output | 18 megawatts DC (maximum output) |
| Capacity | 104.4 megawatt--hours DC (at the time beginning of lifetime) |
| Units ordered | 72 (container type) |
| Applications | Stabilizing renewable energy for green hydrogen production |
| Start of operation | Under planning |
About BASF
BASF create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 110,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €87 billion in 2022. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.
About BASF Stationary Energy Storage GmbH (BSES)
BASF Stationary Energy Storage GmbH (BSES) is a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF SE. BSES distributes the NAS batteries and co-develops the next generation of sodium-sulfur batteries together with NGK Insulators Ltd.
About NAS batteries
NAS batteries are a megawatt class large-capacity storage battery, implemented practically for the first time in the world by NGK. The batteries feature large capacity, high energy density (compact), and long life, and can provide a stable supply of electric power with a high output over long periods of time. They have been installed at over 250 locations worldwide, with a total output of over 720 megawatt and total capacity of approx. 5,000 megawatt-hours installed. They are used for various applications, including peak cutting through load balancing and emergency power supply, as well as stabilization of renewable energy and construction of smart grids, thereby contributing to reduced environmental load and realization of carbon neutrality. NAS batteries have obtained the certification based on stationary storage battery safety standard UL 1973 (cell and module level) and a test report based on UL 9540A standard*, which is to verify batteries and storage battery systems fire risk, for confirming compliance with its evaluation criteria (cell, module, and installation level) through the evaluation program of UL Solutions, a global independent safety science company.
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※NAS batteries container type (including the single batteries and modules on mounted) are covered.