"If we succeed, it could be a game-changer for mid-term energy storage."

20 September 2024

In this first interview, we sit down with Nagore Ortiz-Vitoriano, Research Line Manager of Metal-Air Batteries at CIC energiGUNE and Principal Investigator of the HIPERZAB project. Nagore is at the forefront of the research aimed at revolutionizing energy storage through the development of electrically rechargeable zinc-air batteries. In this conversation, she shares insights about the project’s goals, the innovative technologies being developed, and the potential impact of HIPERZAB on the energy market.

 

  • What does HIPERZAB stand for?

    "HIPERZAB stands for High Performing Electrically Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries for Sustainable Mid-Term Energy Storage. Essentially, this project is focused on developing a new type of battery that uses zinc and air to store energy. The goal is to create a battery that’s not only efficient but also environmentally friendly, helping us move towards cleaner energy solutions."

  • Is HIPERZAB technology expected to reach the market?

    "While the technology we’re working on is still at the lab scale, we believe it has significant potential to reach the market in the future. Right now, we’re in the process of designing and testing the first-ever electrically rechargeable zinc-air battery. If we succeed, it could be a game-changer for mid-term energy storage, making it possible to store energy for days or even weeks. So, while we’re not quite there yet, the hope is that this technology will eventually be adopted and help reduce energy costs and reliance on toxic or scarce materials."

  • Which innovative concept will be developed at CIC energiGUNE?

    "At CIC energiGUNE, we’re working on three really exciting innovations for this project. First, we’re developing a 3D porous zinc-biopolymer composite anode, which is basically a new type of battery component that improves performance. We’re also working on an eco-friendly bilayer gel electrolyte, which will help the battery operate more sustainably. Finally, we’re creating a cathode made from high entropy oxides, which are materials that don’t rely on critical raw materials, making the battery more sustainable. Together, these components will form a radically new battery design, which we hope will push the boundaries of what’s possible in energy storage."

 

As Nagore Ortiz-Vitoriano explained, HIPERZAB is set to pave the way for more sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions. While still in the research phase, the breakthroughs being developed at CIC energiGUNE have the potential to significantly reduce reliance on critical raw materials and improve mid-term energy storage capacity. With such innovation on the horizon, HIPERZAB could play a key role in the transition to renewable energy, making it a project to watch closely in the coming years.

 

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