#Akron #Westinghouse Electric #Echogen Power Systems #Slovakia

Echogen Technology to Launch Europe’s First Grid-Scale Pumped Thermal Energy Storage System

Echogen Power Systems has announced a groundbreaking initiative in Slovakia, marking the introduction of Europe's first grid-scale pumped thermal energy storage (PTES) system. Partnering with Westinghouse Electric Company and Vodohospodárska Výstavba (VVB), this innovative project aims to revolutionize the continent's energy infrastructure by enabling a more resilient, low-carbon energy system.

This initiative represents a significant leap towards sustainable energy solutions as Europe strives to transition away from fossil fuels. According to Rob Bernard, Chief Commercial Officer at Echogen, this venture embodies a transformative advance in the region's clean energy capabilities. The Slovakian PTES project will facilitate the capture of surplus electricity generated by VVB's hydropower plants, allowing it to be stored and dispatched to the national grid at times of peak demand, thus maximizing efficiency and grid reliability.

Echogen's technology is centered on supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂), which is lauded for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness in long-duration energy storage applications. By utilizing an electrically driven heat pump, the system converts electricity into thermal energy for storage, which can later be transformed back into electricity using a high-efficiency heat engine. This method not only provides a lower levelized cost of storage but also allows compatibility with diverse energy sources, including renewable options like solar and wind, in addition to traditional fossil fuels.

The partnership between Echogen, Westinghouse, and VVB is characterized by a comprehensive agreement that includes a feasibility study and front-end engineering design (FEED) phase aimed at optimizing the system's configuration. It is anticipated that the PTES facility will become operational by 2030, bringing not only energy efficiency but also economic development opportunities to the region through the involvement of local suppliers and workforce.

By enhancing energy storage capabilities, the Slovakian project will:

• - Maximize the utilization of renewable resources, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels
• - Improve the stability and resilience of the energy grid
• - Support the European Union's goals for decarbonization and energy independence

Echogen Power Systems was established in 2007 in Akron, Ohio, and has emerged as a leading force in the arena of clean energy innovations. The company focuses on developing advanced solutions for both power generation and industrial heat recovery, with a clear mission to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future.

The implications of this project extend beyond Slovakia, as it offers a blueprint for future energy storage deployments throughout Europe and globally. By harnessing advanced technology and local resources, Echogen is setting a new standard for sustainable energy systems that can address the pressing challenges of climate change and energy security. For more information on Echogen and its innovations, you can visit Echogen's official website or connect with them on LinkedIn.