Wind energy solution for green electricity
The idea is to use a kite to generate high-altitude wind energy and an even power production profile.
100% renewable - the Aquilon project provides green electricity for our natural gas storage facility in Peckensen
As a modern and forward-looking company, Storengy Deutschland sets high standards in the fields of innovation and climate neutrality. In order to push these goals further, Storengy Deutschland is cooperating with the leading R&D centre ENGIE Laborelec and has submitted the “Aquilon” project to the European Union’s Innovation Fund. EU support is an important prerequisite for the success of this project.
The idea is to use a kite from SkySails Power to generate high-altitude wind energy and an even power production profile at the Peckensen natural gas storage facility in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
It is a pilot project for progressively generating green electricity at the storage facility. Therefore, it is a further important step towards all Storengy’s natural gas storage facilities in Germany being operated with energy that can be generated locally.
Christophe Merlo, Business Development Manager and Project Manager at Storengy Deutschland, explains the benefits and great opportunities of the project:
What exactly is the Aquilon project?
Aquilon is a pilot project for the generation of wind energy using a kite, also known as airborne wind energy (AWE). This project is currently in the planning phase at our natural gas storage facility in Peckensen. It is based on the following idea: instead of using conventional wind turbines, the energy is generated using an efficient, innovative and safe kite. In this way, our storage facility will use renewable energy locally produced by ourselves in the future. A kite can harness the wind in much higher altitudes than a conventional turbine. In the higher layers of air, the wind force tends to be stronger and more constant meaning that more renewable electricity can be generated. In addition to that, we will also install a solar power system to provide a mix of renewables for the site.
What makes this idea so special? Are there already comparison projects?
In this regard, we are pioneers and the first company in the world to make a contribution to climate neutrality through the deployment of AWE technology at a natural gas storage facility. We are passionate about implementing new and innovative ways to reinforce this commitment.
What specific contribution does this project make to climate neutrality?
Our natural gas storage facilities have already been operating for three years with green electricity. With Aquilon, we will additionally produce 1 GWh of electricity on site each year. This is enough electricity to supply 250 households for one year. AWE systems only use a fraction of the material that conventional wind energy systems do. That reduces the investment costs and has a positive impact on its environmental compatibility. Thanks to less complex installation and maintenance, they can be used almost anywhere, they have little impact on nature and are more efficient. Compared to conventional wind turbines measuring up to 200 metres in height, the kites can be easily maintained on the ground.
How exactly will the AWE system work with the solar power systems that will be installed at Peckensen?
Our project is an integrated solution for the generation of renewable energies and their storage. Various renewable energies (solar and wind) are combined with an advanced and high innovative storage system (redox flow battery). A flat and even energy profile is thus generated to operate the natural gas storage system with the help of an intelligent management system. It is innovative, safe and environmentally friendly.
Why was Peckensen selected for this project? Was there a specific reason for that?
We decided to implement our pilot project at the natural gas storage facility in Peckensen above all because the local community immediately voiced their enthusiasm for the project and promised their support. It is an important innovative project for the region and another contribution to the energy transition. Furthermore, the wind speed and geographical location allow us to implement the project safely and efficiently.
Last, but not least: What is the timeframe? When can the project begin?
We are currently starting the permitting phase for approval of the system and we hope to begin in the first quarter of 2022. It is our objective to complete the construction of the system by the end of 2022. Then, we expect it to have a service life of at least 20 years. An important prerequisite for the implementation of this project is funding from the EU Innovation Fund. Without the necessary support, this innovative project cannot be completed.
Do you have any questions about this project? Then do not hesitate to contact our project manager, Christophe Merlo!