The German technology company Wolf Energetik, in which Mabanaft holds a stake, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful commissioning and testing of a reversible fuel cell for storing electricity. This notable achievement is the result of collaborative efforts between Wolf Energetik and the research company Tec4Fuels GmbH, marking a significant advancement in energy storage capabilities.
The newly commissioned reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOC) is a crucial component of a pilot plant that Wolf Energetik has been operating in Freiberg since May 2024. With a storage capacity of approximately one megawatt per hour, this pilot plant is tailored for decentralized energy storage applications and is expected to accommodate a variety of energy sources with maximum efficiency.
Claudia Hain, the Managing Director of Wolf Energetik, expressed her satisfaction with the performance of the fuel cell system, emphasizing its potential to contribute to further optimization of the electricity storage process. With FEREDOX® technology, an innovative approach to chemical energy storage using hydrogen and water vapor, Wolf Energetik has introduced an innovative and flexible electricity storage concept that offers exceptional capacity and efficiency for decentralized base-load supply.
Furthermore, the development of the reversible fuel cell for storing electricity has been made possible in part due to the support and funding provided by Mabanaft. As a minority investor in Wolf Energetik, Mabanaft has demonstrated its commitment to advancing innovative electricity storage systems and has contributed significantly to the research and development efforts in this field.
Looking ahead, Wolf Energetik has outlined plans to construct a demonstration plant with a FEREDOX® storage system with a capacity of approximately two tonnes of hydrogen in 2025. This ambitious project builds upon the success of the recently commissioned pilot plant and serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to driving advancements in energy storage technology.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to innovation in energy storage, Wolf Energetik will be showcasing its energy storage concept with the reversible SOC fuel cell at the European Fuel Cell Forum (EFCF) in Lucerne from 2 to 5 July 2024. This presentation at the world’s largest conference for high-temperature fuel cells, electrolysers, and hydrogen applications underscores the company’s leadership in the realm of energy storage and its pursuit of sustainable and groundbreaking solutions.
As a leading independent and integrated energy company, the Mabanaft Group continues to support the transition to cleaner fuels and innovative energy solutions. With a robust presence in the import, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products, natural gas liquids, chemicals, and biofuels, the group remains at the forefront of driving advancements in energy storage technology and facilitating the transition to sustainable energy sources.
Overall, the successful commissioning and testing of the reversible fuel cell for storing electricity by Wolf Energetik represents a pivotal moment in the realm of energy storage, offering a glimpse into a future of innovative and sustainable energy solutions. As the industry continues to forge ahead in the pursuit of clean and efficient energy, collaborations and advancements such as these are essential in shaping a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for generations to come.