Windpark Zeewolde and Elestor have formed a partnership to deploy a large‑scale hydrogen‑iron flow battery at the Netherlands’ largest onshore wind farm. The long‑duration storage system is planned with a 20 MW power rating, 10–40 hours duration and 200–800 MWh total capacity. It will connect directly to the Vogelweg High Voltage Station, enabling more effective use of generated wind power, reducing peak grid loads and improving utilisation of existing grid capacity.
Windpark Zeewolde, owned by more than 200 local farmers, residents and entrepreneurs, will be renamed Energiehub Zeewolde as it evolves into an integrated hub combining renewable generation, storage and flexible consumption. Long‑duration storage will allow wind energy to be stored during periods of high generation and used later when demand rises or grid capacity becomes available, helping to reduce curtailment.
The project will be delivered in phases. Elestor will install a pre‑commercial unit next year to demonstrate performance and market readiness, followed by a commercial‑scale system. The full 20 MW / 10–40 hour installation is expected by 2031, allowing technical, operational and commercial learning while lowering project risk. Depending on final configuration, it will be among Europe’s larger flow battery projects.
Maarten de Keijzer, managing director, Zeewolde, said: “Windpark Zeewolde does not only want to generate renewable electricity but also use it more intelligently.” Elestor CEO Hylke van Bennekom added: “For Elestor, this marks a major milestone in scaling up our technology.”
Elestor’s hydrogen‑iron flow battery uses abundant materials and is designed for long‑duration cycling. The companies hope that the partnership will demonstrate how local renewable energy and long‑duration storage can jointly support a more flexible and reliable energy system.
Image credit: Windpark Zeewolde.
