PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - Sungrow's PowerTitan2.0

China’s Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd showcased its PowerTitan2.0 energy storage system at an event in Madrid earlier this year. We spoke to Anastasios Gkinis, one of the company’s three regional directors for Europe, who oversees the UK/Ireland, South Eastern Europe, CIS regions, providing details about the product, as well as some insights into the company’s activities in the hydrogen sector.

1. Can you describe the main novelties in the PowerTitan2.0 and what benefits they bring to project developers?

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PowerTitan2.0 is the latest addition to Sungrow’s innovative family of liquid cooled energy storage systems. One of its key characteristics is the high energy density and its architecture that lead to the optimal levels of CAPEX and OPEX costs. This product embodies an advanced AC storage design, integrated with a PCS, a standard 20ft 5-MWh configuration, full liquid cooling and a modular 10-MWh system. With the launch of PowerTitan2.0, Sungrow aims to overcome the scalability and efficiency challenges that have historically hindered traditional energy storage solutions, such as is the land availability or/and cost in many cases. PowerTitan2.0 is a great solution for the stand alone but also hybrid systems. We believe that the PowerTitan2.0 shows the road to the future of the battery energy storage systems (BESS), being more than just an all-in-one solution. Its innovative architecture and technology combines high energy density, smart and effective operation and maintenance (O&M), high efficiency and the utmost levels of safety. All these characteristics provide extremely optimised CAPEX and OPEX and at the same time give a complete solution on the scalability and efficiency challenges, allowing the acceleration and successful deployment of BESS projects.

2. During discussions at the event it was noted that ESS projects are higher capex projects compared to solar, probably 10 times higher. Could you offer some insights on PowerTitan2.0’s features' impact on capex, or levelised cost of energy (LCOE)?

Sungrow focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management systems. As mentioned in the previous question the high energy density is one key feature of the PowerTitan2.0 that is hugely beneficial for the optimal CAPEX, as it is the fact that the turnkey solution reaches the site already preconfigured from the factory and also the standard 20ft container makes transport significantly easier. Overall, our BESS systems have a holistic approach towards optimising both CAPEX and OPEX, leading to a lower LCOE.

3. As a company with a strong focus on R&D, can you outline any broader trends in product development in relation to storage (e.g. density, duration, smart grid functionalities, etc.)?

Sungrow has been deeply involved in energy storage for 18 years. The three main focus points of development are, first of all, the utmost safety levels, secondly the grid compliance and last but not least the electro-chemistry of the cells that go into the BESS. The new PowerTitan2.0 clearly showcase our strategy, as an innovative product with high energy density, smart O&M and cutting edge technology safety features.

4. What actions is Sungrow taking to promote circularity in its products and operations?

By constructing its own energy power plants, installing rooftop photovoltaic systems in factories and engaging in green card transactions, the company is increasing the proportion of green energy use. The aim of Sungrow is by 2028 to achieve carbon neutrality on the operational level, carbon neutrality across the supply chain by 2038 and net-zero across the chain by 2048.

5. Could you share Sungrow’s plans and strategies in the electrolysers segment, in particular any new developments since our May 2023 interview? In Madrid, Sungrow executives told journalists that Sunrow Hydrogen has initiated its first reference projects in China and Australia, with the Middle East also planned. Could you provide more details about these projects, including the technology used?

Having a solid R&D team, representing 40% of the total number of its employees, Sungrow is focused on the research of new solutions including “efficient, intelligent, safe” flexible green hydrogen production systems solutions, like ALK water electrolyser, PEM water electrolyser, PWM hydrogen production power supply, gas-liquid separation equipment, hydrogen purification equipment and intelligent hydrogen management system. These perfectly match the rapid and volatile nature of renewable energy, and are suitable for electric power, industry, transportation and other fields. A series of projects have already completed, like the 36000 Nm³/h ALK hydrogen production system, in Jilin (China).

Recently, to further support hydrogen energy technology progress, a hydrogen energy research Institute has been established in Germany by Sungrow. This Institute specialises in hydrogen production materials and novel products. Collaborating with domestic teams, it aims to advance technological iterations, patent applications and pursue international certification to maintain technological supremacy.

The Institute also enhances international technical exchanges and collaborations, aligning with European market needs. This allows for applied research in diverse scenarios, such as industrial synthetic ammonia and on-site hydrogen production, boosting global hydrogen energy application capabilities.