British company Oxis Energy has partnered with Proinso UK to develop a new solar energy storage system prototype that it is aiming to roll out this year.

The companies claim that the rechargeable Lithium Sulfur (Li-S) batteries used are inherently safe thanks to the lithium sulfide passivation layer and non-flammable electrolyte.

Mark Randall, general manager of Proinso explained why it was looking at solar storage in particular, he said: “As a global solar company Proinso has witnessed solar plants matching, and increasingly bettering, the cost of energy from other technologies in ever more regions. However, growth has been restricted by the need for safe, reliable and cost effective storage.

“In the first stage, our collaboration with Oxis Energy will allow us to offer solutions in testing environments where the price of competing energy is particularly high. Proinso is frequently challenged by businesses to match energy needs in a range of global locations and this increases our ability to do so. The prototype of the integrated system is scalable with a view, in the medium term, that the cost effectiveness and safety aspects will be an obvious attraction to the distributed grid-connected sector.” 

Huw Hampson-Jones, CEO of Oxis Energy added that the lightweight nature of the storage system lends itself perfectly to deploying in a modular structure. He added: “Bearing in mind the poor investment structure in the wind turbine sector, there is a compelling case for concentrating on solar. The storage of energy can be much more effective and convenient.

“The sun is always there generating power, even on those cold cloudy days in the depths of winter. This is particularly relevant for military uses.”

Oxis Energy was one of a number of UK companies involved in developing a solar energy storage solution for the UK military last year.