Ocean Grazer, a Dutch start-up, has developed an environmentally friendly energy storage system that utilizes dam technology to store excess electricity generated by offshore wind farms. With the increasing capacity of offshore wind farms, there is a need for a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to store excess energy. Ocean Grazer’s solution is an underwater battery that operates similarly to a dam. The battery stores potential energy in the form of high-pressure water, which is released to generate electricity when needed. The battery can be installed in close proximity to offshore wind farms, providing a stable power supply even during periods of low wind power.
The battery works by extracting water from rigid containers and transporting it to flexible containers on the ocean floor. The stored energy is released by directing the water back into the lower pressure containers, which drives water turbines to generate electricity. The low-pressure reservoirs are carefully integrated into the marine floor, while the flexible containers rest on the surface. According to Ocean Grazer, the process has minimal impact on the marine ecosystem and may even create new habitats for marine life.
Ocean Grazer was originally a student project at the University of Groningen and has since grown to employ twelve full-time staff. The company has received support from various institutions, including the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund, the Alliance North Netherlands, and the province of Groningen.
Ocean Grazer’s innovative energy storage system has the potential to revolutionize the renewable energy industry by providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to store excess energy generated by offshore wind farms. The company’s success demonstrates the importance of investing in research and development to create sustainable solutions for the future.
