Amazon and Unbound Potential to pilot a new type of Redox-Flow battery technology

Unbound Potential has developed a membrane-less redox flow battery that, unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, does not require any critical raw materials.

Instead of using a membrane, the ion exchange is controlled by non-miscible electrolytes, which Unbound Potential said makes the battery more durable and requires 90 per cent fewer sealing surfaces.

In contrast to lithium, flow batteries do not pose a fire hazard, so 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, the company added.

Amazon said that Unbound Potential’s energy storage solution addresses its 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 could also help to provide long-duration energy storage that meets the energy intensive needs of Amazon’s logistics operations, the company said.

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 said it 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.

The pilot location and launch timeframe is ‘currently being scoped.’  

“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,” David Taylor, CEO of Unbound Potential, said in a statement.

“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.”