Aramco’s World First in Sustainable Energy Storage
Aramco has successfully commissioned an Iron-Vanadium (Fe/V) flow battery on a megawatt scale, set to enhance renewable energy storage by converting solar energy into a reliable backup for its gas operations.
This initiative marks a step forward in integrating sustainable solutions within the gas industry, using Aramco’s patented technology in partnership with Rongke Power.
Ali A. Al-Meshari, Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight and Coordination at Aramco, says: "The pioneering flow battery system spearheaded by Aramco’s researchers represents a breakthrough for the oil and gas industry.
“Aramco already powers a large number of remote gas wells with solar panels connected to lead-acid battery systems, but our ground-breaking flow battery technology offers a flexible solution for diverse renewable energy storage requirements, making it an attractive option for a variety of industrial applications.
“This is just one example of how Aramco is developing and deploying advanced technologies with the aim of enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions across its operations.”
What is a flow battery?
Flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes held externally, which, when pumped into a battery cell, convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
These batteries offer longevity with minimal capacity loss and pose lower fire risks compared to other battery types.
Their modular design allows for cost-effective maintenance and easy capacity expansion through larger tanks or additional cells.
Designed to operate in temperatures from -8°C to 60°C without thermal regulation, Aramco’s Fe/V battery is suitable for remote, desert environments.
Aramco’s flow battery system
This Fe/V flow battery is located in Wa’ad Al-Shamal, in western Saudi Arabia.
It can deliver a MW/hour and support up to five wells across its projected 25 year lifespan.
Aramco says that the system “offers a robust alternative to existing solar energy solutions and can handle variable power demands efficiently and cost-effectively.”
The flow battery has been specifically engineered to withstand the hot climate of Saudi Arabia and achieve optimal performance under extreme weather conditions.
Sustainability at Aramco
Aramco says that this battery aligns with its focus on renewable investments and energy efficiency.
This is part of its ambition to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its wholly-owned operated assets by 2050.
“Sustainability also means being a good corporate citizen, focusing on the safety of our people, their long-term development and the value we add to society more widely,” says His Excellency Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Aramco, in its 2024 Sustainability Report.
Aramco has set an interim 2030 target for reducing its upstream carbon intensity, aiming to reach a carbon intensity of 8.6kg CO₂e per barrel of oil equivalent or lower.
Currently, its upstream carbon intensity sits at 9.7kg CO₂e per barrel of oil equivalent.
The battery, it says, “paves the way for further integration of the technology at isolated and unmanned oil and gas sites, providing an efficient power solution that can adapt to fluctuating demands without incurring additional expenses”.
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