October 2, 2014  – Areva and Schneider Electric have signed an R&D agreement to develop a new energy storage solution—called the flow battery—to produce and store electricity by combining hydrobromic acid and hydrogen.

“The energy storage market is fast-moving and highly competitive. In order to meet the energy needs of tomorrow, Areva is diversifying its technology portfolio with the flow battery technology and broadening its cooperation agreement with its partner, Schneider Electric,” said Louis-François Durret, Areva Renewables CEO.

Funded by the European Union, the project aims to optimize the existing 50kW flow battery prototype designed by EnStorage to a 150kW demonstration module. Under the cooperation agreement, both companies will test the flow battery technology under real conditions. The aim is to deliver a competitive and highly efficient solution for the integration of renewable energies.

Areva will lead the project (manufacturing, integrating and installing the storage solution) while Schneider designs, manufactures and installs the complementary power conversion system.

“This latest agreement with Areva reinforces our commitment to develop safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green energy management solutions,” said to Frédéric Abbal, executive vice-president, Schneider Electric’s Energy Business. “This storage technology will provide the flexibility and stability needed to facilitate renewable integration.”