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 utilization due to 24/7 operations, enabling the transition to off-grid fulfilment centers 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 trailblazing program 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.”
David Taylor, CEO of Unbound Potential, says: “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 optimize our battery technology.”
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.
About Unbound Potential
Unbound Potential has developed new battery technology for long duration energy storage, paving the way for batteries that offer a more efficient, affordable and sustainable way to store renewable energy for longer periods of time.
About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.