Dutch iron-air battery reaches 1 GWh

June 23, 2026

A major step toward Europe’s clean energy transition has been announced as Dutch energy storage innovator Ore Energy partners with energy supplier Budget Thuis to deploy 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of iron-air long-duration energy storage (LDES). The agreement represents the largest iron-air battery deployment announced in continental Europe and marks the first project of its kind involving a European retail energy provider.

The collaboration begins with a 400-megawatt-hour (MWh) installation scheduled to enter service in 2028, forming the first stage of a broader 1 GWh rollout across Budget Thuis’ energy portfolio.

Iron-air storage to reduce renewable energy curtailment

As renewable electricity generation continues to expand across Europe, grid operators face a growing challenge: large volumes of clean electricity are frequently wasted because supply exceeds demand during periods of strong wind or sunshine. At the same time, fossil fuel power plants are often required when renewable output drops.

According to Ore Energy, conventional lithium-ion batteries are well suited for balancing electricity over several hours but are less effective for the multi-day storage required by wind-dominated power systems.

The company's iron-air technology is designed to bridge this gap by storing electricity for 24 to 100 hours, allowing surplus renewable energy to be released days later when generation declines and electricity demand remains high.

How iron-air batteries work

Ore Energy’s storage system relies on iron, water, and air rather than critical minerals such as lithium or cobalt. During periods of abundant renewable generation, excess electricity is stored through an electrochemical process. The stored energy can later be converted back into electricity during prolonged periods of low wind or limited solar production.

The modular system is housed inside standard 40-foot shipping containers, allowing multiple units to be connected and scaled depending on storage requirements.

Because the batteries use widely available raw materials and are non-flammable, the technology offers a safer alternative while strengthening European supply chain resilience.

Ore Energy believes iron-air batteries could become an essential complement to renewable energy, particularly for wind power, by providing reliable multi-day storage at grid scale.

Supporting a more stable dutch power grid

Once operational, the storage facilities will be connected directly to the Dutch electricity network, helping balance fluctuations in renewable energy production.

By shifting surplus renewable electricity across several days instead of just a few hours, the system aims to improve grid reliability, reduce renewable energy curtailment, and decrease dependence on natural gas-fired generation during extended periods of low renewable output.

The additional flexibility is also expected to reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices while improving long-term electricity affordability for consumers.

Building on successful pilot projects

The agreement follows several successful demonstrations of Ore Energy’s technology under real grid conditions. Earlier this year, the company completed a grid-connected pilot with EDF in France, where its iron-air battery stored and discharged electricity continuously for up to four days. Ore Energy has also operated a connected demonstration project in Delft, providing further validation of the technology before commercial deployment.

With the first 400 MWh phase already committed and a roadmap toward a full 1 GWh installation, the partnership represents one of Europe's most significant investments in long-duration energy storage and highlights the growing role of iron-air batteries in supporting a renewable-powered electricity system.