Mercedes-Benz announced its plans to test an 11 megawatt hour (MWh) battery at its Rastatt car factory in Germany starting in 2025. The initiative aims to address the challenges of fluctuating renewable energy output and its impact on manufacturing operations.
According to production chief Joerg Burzer, the integration of energy storage into the production system, which increasingly relies on renewable energy, is a significant factor in the company’s sustainability efforts.
The Rastatt factory, which already generates photovoltaic power on-site, will expand its capacity this summer to reduce CO2 emissions further.
To manage backup power challenges, Mercedes-Benz currently utilizes quick-starting Lithium-ion buffer storage at its Sindelfingen plant. However, the company intends to explore a different approach at the Rastatt facility.
Mercedes-Benz has partnered with cleantech company CMBlu Energy to supply an Organic SolidFlow Battery. This battery type, combining redox flow and solid-state technologies, is designed to operate over long periods, thereby smoothing power flows.
The 11 MWh battery’s energy capacity is equivalent to over 150 EQA electric compact SUVs and may be expanded based on the success of the pilot project.
CMBlu Energy claims that its batteries enhance reliability, reduce costs per MWh, and require adequate space available at industrial plants. Furthermore, the company asserts that its products are made from recycled organic material and do not rely on critical raw materials like rare earths, cobalt, or nickel.
In alignment with its sustainability goals, Mercedes-Benz has secured long-term purchasing agreements for solar, onshore, and offshore wind power, covering half of its German electricity demand, to ensure stable prices and support renewable energy sources.
