In the northern reaches of Minnesota, a promising new chapter in renewable energy is unfolding with the development of iron-air batteries. Amidst the increasing adoption of solar power in the region, highlighted by personal narratives and the efforts of major local manufacturers like Heliene Inc., another quiet revolution brews. Iron-air batteries, employing a technology that relies on abundant and locally-sourced iron to store and release energy via chemical oxidation, are emerging as a game-changer for grid-based energy systems.
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy is at the forefront with a pilot project at the Sherburne County Generating Station in Becker, exploring the viability of iron-air battery arrays. The interest in this alternative storage method aligns with the state’s ambition to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2040 and its rich mining history. While the batteries are not suitable for some applications due to their weight and charge rate, their potential for long-term storage could be integral for taking full advantage of Minnesota’s growing renewable energy infrastructure. This nascent technology also opens a dialogue on the intersection of renewable energy and mining politics, which could lead to a sustainable and circular local economy on the Iron Range.
