The EU is testing new energy storage solutions for industrial users and energy-intensive infrastructure through the AGISTIN project. The move is designed to address the growing pressure on energy networks from the integration of renewable energy and the electrification of the economy.
The starting point of the AGISTIN project is that the rapid development of renewable energy and the process of social electrification have brought many challenges to grid operators and large industrial users, such as network congestion, limited capacity access and the need for additional investment in infrastructure. In this context, energy storage is seen as a core solution for coordinating and integrating renewable energy production and industrial consumption.
The scheme proposes to build an integrated architecture based on DC coupling technology to connect energy storage, local power generation and industrial power. Compared to traditional models, this approach is designed to reduce operating costs, improve system efficiency and increase the flexibility of the energy system.
In Spain, the project demonstration site is located on the Segria-Sud canal. Water pump, photovoltaic power generation, battery and power conversion system are integrated on site. The system is designed to improve irrigation performance, optimize energy consumption, and provide flexibility services such as frequency regulation, voltage regulation and system black start for the grid. Preliminary tests have verified the synergistic operation of the components, including the pumping system, solar and energy storage technologies. The data collected will be used to optimize microgrid operations and troubleshoot potential problems before a large-scale rollout.
The core part of the demonstration project uses all-vanadium redox flow battery technology, which uses liquid electrolyte to achieve independent capacity and power expansion. Such systems are considered sustainable and in line with circular economy principles, as their electrolytes can be reused and recycled.
The second demonstration site is located in the Netherlands and focuses on green hydrogen production. The system includes electrolyzers, energy storage devices, solar power generation and control systems, designed to reduce grid-connected costs and improve equipment performance and service life. The project aims to reduce the impact of power fluctuations on the electrolyzer and manage such fluctuations through a fast energy storage system to improve the efficiency of the hydrogen production process. At the same time, the study also analyzes how these schemes can reduce the inefficient use of renewable energy and enhance the ability of the grid to integrate local power generation.
Overall, the project covers laboratory tests and field demonstrations in areas such as fast charging of electric vehicles, pumping systems and hydrogen applications. The goal is to demonstrate that energy storage can be an integral part of the energy system, rather than an isolated single component.
In addition, the project will develop control algorithms to coordinate such systems for wider deployment and explore business models that can help promote the integration of energy storage into the industrial sector. Through the above demonstration, the project demonstrates that existing infrastructure (e. g. irrigation systems) can serve as a regulating element of energy flexibility in addition to its original function. At the same time, the combination of energy storage and hydrogen energy is seen as an effective way to reduce carbon emissions and build a more resilient energy system.