News

BASF New Business to Sell NGK’s Megawatt-Class NAS Battery

June 13, 2019 by Scott McMahan

BASF New Business GmbH (BNB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German chemical group BASF, and Japanese ceramics manufacturer NGK Insulators, Ltd. (NGK) reported that the companies have signed a sales partnership agreement. The agreement gives BNB non-exclusive rights to sell NGK's sodium-sulfur-based NAS battery through BASF's global sales channels. Both partners expect a synergistic effect from the business activities of the other.

NGK claims that its NAS battery is world's first commercialized megawatt-class battery which has the capacity to store large amounts of electricity for hours. The NAS battery system boasts larger capacity, higher energy density, and longer life than other battery technologies. These features are especially beneficial for energy storage and stationary applications ‒ in contrast to lithium-ion batteries, for example, which are suited to deliver high power over shorter periods.

The NAS battery system supports the increased integration of fluctuating and intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind into the grid.

The electricity does not have to be transmitted immediately after being produced but can be discharged on demand. Furthermore, NAS batteries can be used to stabilize electricity supply and emergency power supply for industrial customers and micro/off grids. Through these applications, NGK says its NAS battery helps to reduce energy costs and environmental load.

Recommended for you: Holistic View of Planning Net Zero Energy Communities

"NGK has more than 15 years' experience in both the manufacture of NAS batteries and their deployment at customers' site. Based on our technical expertise gained by own developments in recent years, sodium-sulfur technology fits ideally to the requirements of the emerging market for long-duration energy storage systems. The NAS battery from NGK enables BASF to enter the energy market and offer customers a reliable, proven solution," explained Dr. Frank Prechtl, Director Business Build-Up E-Power-Management of BASF New Business GmbH.

"NGK was the first company worldwide to commercialize the NAS battery system and has delivered NAS battery systems to about 200 locations worldwide with a total output of more than 560 MW and a storage capacity of 4.0 GWh. We are delighted to be able to use BASF's worldwide distribution network, which will allow us to achieve much higher market penetration. Through further expansion of NAS battery, NGK globally contributes to installation of renewable energy and the reduction of CO2 emissions." said Mr. Tatsumi Ichioka, General Manager of NAS battery Division, NGK.

The distribution of NGK's NAS batteries by BASF is the first step in the cooperation between NGK and BASF.