NGK bags NAS battery orders for Hungarian grid storage demo project

NGK Insulators recently received an order for sodium–sulfur (NAS) batteries from MVM Balance Zrt., a subsidiary of the Hungarian state-owned energy company MVM Group, for a grid-scale energy storage demonstration project with a capacity of 4,350 kWh. 

The batteries are to be installed inside the power station of MVM Balance for stabilizing the electricity grid. The project will verify the use of grid storage batteries for surplus storage and discharge whenever there is a shortage of energy. 

Further, it will also examine the provision of adjustment capacity to the ancillary service market, which trades energy supply (adjustment capacity) to eliminate gaps in supply and demand of electric energy. The project involves 3 container-type battery housings, and is expected to begin operations in May 2025. 

NGK claims that the decision to use NAS batteries was based on the high evaluation from the client side that they are highly reliable as an energy storage technology with an extensive track record, and that their multiple safety designs and equipment monitoring systems meet the installation standards within electric power stations, where strict safety management is required. 

NAS batteries are characterized by their large capacity and ability to discharge electricity over long periods of time. The battery technology is used in various applications including stabilization of renewable energy, electric power demand and supply balancing, and emergency power sources. 

They have so far been installed in over 250 locations around the world and have a stable operational track record of more than 20 years, according to NGK. The company affirms to meet the demand for large capacity storage batteries, such as those for grid storage, and contribute to the promotion of clean energy and stabilization of electrical energy supply. 

The latest order is the third such battery order for NAS batteries in Hungary. Due to the seasonal and weather-dependent nature of renewable power generation, long-term peak cutting is needed to increase usage and adjust electric power supply and demand. 

The MVM Group has adopted a policy of full-scale advancement of storage battery installation as a measure for adjusting renewable energy supply and demand. With this demonstration project, the Group plans to examine the performance standard for grid storage batteries to be introduced in the future.