First sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system launched, offering safe, low-cost electricity storage and cutting energy bills by nearly 70%

July 30, 2024 -- The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) has partnered with local energy storage startup Luquos Energy to launch the first demonstration project using a sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system in Shenzhen. The system, installed at an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, is expected to reduce electricity costs by nearly 70% during peak usage hours and alleviate strain on the power grid.
 
The LEAPLUG storage system comprises a sulphur-based flow battery and energy conversion system housed in a small container at the Shajing EV charging station in Shenzhen, providing power support for 30 charging points.
 
As the first application demonstration project, the LEAPLUG energy storage system has a capacity of 20 kilowatt-hours. It charges and stores electricity during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, then discharges during peak hours when rates are higher for use by the charging points, thereby saving nearly 70% on electricity costs. The system also helps reduce peak power load, and widespread use of such systems can enhance overall grid stability.
 
Professor Lu Yi-chun, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Luquos Energy, said the sulphur-based flow battery is the result of over a decade of research and development by the team, “The system’s launch marks the completion of pilot-scale technology implementation for sulphur-based flow batteries, entering the fast track to industrialisation. Our team plans to begin large-scale production by 2027.”
 
Professor Lu pointed out that lithium-ion batteries, which are mainly used in the energy storage market, carry a risk of overheating and catching fire. In contrast, sulphur-based flow battery technology uses water-based solutions and sulphur as raw materials, making it safe and non-flammable. Moreover, the abundance of sulphur on Earth contributes to its low cost. Compared to traditional flow batteries that use precious vanadium as a raw material, sulphur-based batteries cost only one-twentieth as much. The overall cost is also half that of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, sulphur-based batteries are non-toxic and do not cause environmental pollution.
 
Dr Simon Wang Zengyue, CEO of Luquos Energy, added that the LEAPLUG system uses newly developed ion-exchange membranes to improve power generation efficiency. With a lifespan of 15 years, it outlasts lithium-ion batteries, which typically last only a few years. The system has potential applications beyond EV charging stations, including factories, hospitals, data centres and village houses.
 
Regarding this collaboration with Luquos Energy, Mr Alan Chan Ying-lung, Towngas Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, expressed delight at seeing the project come to fruition. “As countries worldwide continue to expand into new energy sources, there’s an urgent demand for environmentally friendly, safe and low-cost energy storage technologies. We look forward to this initial project with Luquos Energy using the sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system to provide safer, more stable and affordable power supply for charging stations, with potential for wider application across Towngas Group’s various scenarios in the future.” He noted that Luquos Energy was one of the outstanding projects in the inaugural TERA-Award Competition. To help accelerate the implementation of their technology, Towngas not only made a strategic investment but also opened up application scenarios. Mr Chan emphasised that the TERA-Award is more than just a technology competition; it’s a platform for incubating innovation and accelerating growth. He stated that Towngas will continue to leverage its professional expertise in the energy sector to support the development and implementation of technologies from zero-carbon innovative enterprises.
 
Luquos Energy, a Bronze Award winner in the inaugural TERA-Award Competition, has received investment from Towngas and become a strategic partner of the Company.

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Press photos:
Photo 1:

(From left) Dr Simon Wang Zengyue, CEO of Luquos Energy; Professor Lu Yi-chun, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Luquos Energy; Mr Jerry Hu Yong, Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Towngas; and Dr Zhou Jun, Executive Vice Principal of Towngas Energy Academy, preside over the launch ceremony of the sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system demonstration project at Towngas Energy’s Shajing charging station in Shenzhen.

Photo 2:

Mr Alan Chan Ying-lung, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of Towngas, looks forward to the first sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system demonstration project providing safer, more stable and affordable power supply for charging stations.

Photo 3:

Professor Lu Yi-chun, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Luquos Energy, states that the official launch of the LEAPLUG Energy Storage System marks the completion of pilot-scale technology implementation for sulphur-based flow batteries, entering the fast track to industrialisation.

Photo 4:

Professor Lu Yi-chun (left), Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Luquos Energy, and Dr Simon Wang Zengyue (right), CEO of Luquos Energy, unveil the LEAPLUG Energy Storage System battery stack.

Photo 5:

Dr Simon Wang Zengyue, CEO of Luquos Energy, introduces the technology of the first sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system demonstration project.

Photo 6:

The first sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system demonstration project is located at Towngas Energy’s Jincheng Road electric vehicle charging station in Bao’an District, Shenzhen.

Photo 7:

The sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system demonstration project charges and stores electricity during daytime off-peak and night-time low-rate periods, then discharges during high-rate peak usage periods for charging points. Utilising this price difference can save nearly 70% on electricity costs.

Photo 8:

The sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system demonstration project uses water-based solutions and sulphur as raw materials, creating a safe, low-cost and long-lasting energy storage system.


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