Amazon is trialing a new battery technology for its energy storage needs in cooperation with the Swiss battery startup, Unbound Potential, a participant of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. Unbound Potential has developed a membrane-less redox flow battery that, unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, does not require any critical raw materials, has a longer shelf life and is significantly more cost-effective for stationary applications. The pilot location and launch timeframe is currently being scoped.
Unbound Potential’s energy storage solution addresses Amazon’s challenge of limited solar energy utilisation due to 24/7 operations, enabling the transition to off-grid fulfilment centres powered entirely by renewable sources. Potentially, the start-up can help provide long-duration energy storage that meets the energy intensive needs of Amazon’s logistics operations.
Throughout the pilots, Amazon’s subject matter experts will work closely with the start-ups, offering feedback, troubleshooting assistance, and opportunities to refine their technologies to ensure they work smoothly in their respective placements. Upon completion, Amazon will assess the environmental impact, financial viability, and overall effectiveness of the pilot to determine whether any can be scaled across other sites as part of a long-term partnership.
“This trailblasing programme is a testament to Amazon’s commitment to supporting innovation and driving positive change”, said Amazon’s Sustainability Director, Justine Mahler. “By providing a real-world testing ground for unique and cutting-edge technologies, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact but also creating a blueprint for more sustainable practices across industry.”
“There could be no better partner for our market entry than this pilot with Amazon. The benefits of our battery solution can potentially fit perfectly with Amazon’s storage needs. Compared to conventional redox flow batteries, our membrane-less system allows for lower maintenance despite significantly lower investment costs. Our next goal is to scale up the technology so that we can offer our systems on an industrial scale. There is a huge demand for durable storage solutions in the logistics sector. Amazon, the world’s largest e-commerce provider, offers the ideal environment to extensively test and further optimise our battery technology,” also says David Taylor, CEO of Unbound Potential.
The design of Unbound Potential’s solution differs fundamentally from other redox flow batteries. Instead of using a membrane, the ion exchange is controlled by non-miscible electrolytes. This makes the battery more durable and requires 90 percent fewer sealing surfaces, and in contrast to lithium, flow batteries do not pose a fire hazard. Therefore, the usual minimum distances for potential risk factors are not required. The technology is becoming more efficient as it is scaled up to industrial-sized energy storage systems, such as those required by Amazon.
Since launching in 2022, the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator has supported more than 40 start-ups across Europe, provided more than €1 million in grants and credits, and helped those businesses on average increase sales by 700% and raise over €18.7 million to date.