In the heart of a bustling office and lab at the University of Malta, MeetInc sits down with two pioneers in the field of sustainable energy storage – Professor Tonio Sant and Dr Daniel Buhagiar. The engineers are two of the three founders of FLASC B.V., a startup company that emerged from a university research project and is now set to significantly advance the arsenal of green energy solutions available to the world.

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The two engineers are finalists in the upcoming European Inventor Award next month. “It’s exciting to be a finalist, even though I still have no idea who nominated us,” Sant tells MeetInc. We quickly dive into the intricacies of their cutting-edge technology and its broader implications for the renewable energy sector. These innovators, whose work revolves around compressing air for energy storage, offer a fresh perspective on how we can harness the power of the sea to combat climate change.

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The problem FLASC addresses is that related to situations in which output from renewable energy sources is either too great to be fed into the grid, or not high enough to sustain all the grid’s needs. “What FLASC’s technology does is it allows us to store extra renewable energy generated during periods of low demand so that we can release it when the demand peaks,” explains Sant. 

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The way FLASC does this is by using excess energy to power hydraulic pumps that inject water into a subsea steel vessel that is pre-charged with air. “This process compresses the air further, thereby storing energy. The pressure in the vessel is high enough to drive a turbine and generate energy. So, when the energy output from a wind farm drops but the demand for electricity on land is high, the pressurised water inside the vessel is allowed to flow out from the tank to drive the turbine and generate the shortfall in energy,” Buhagiar adds.  

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Compressing air to such a high pressure generates a considerable amount of heat, which would result in losses of energy – not great for what is effectively a large battery, but this is where FLASC’s innovation comes in. “Our technology is specifically designed for offshore deployment, where we are able to use the ocean to keep the vessel cool and minimise heat losses.”

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Sant’s enthusiasm is palpable as he describes the marine-based technology, a key component in their energy storage solution. “Our system connects directly to the electricity grid, smoothing out the power supply from renewable sources like wind and solar.”

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An efficient alterative to batteries 

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We pose the obvious question: why not use conventional batteries?  Buhagiar elaborates on the limitations of traditional energy storage. “Batteries are great for short durations, charging and discharging quickly. But our technology excels in longer duration storage, making it more cost-effective over extended periods. Offshore, batteries also pose significant safety challenges and require additional space, which comes at a premium.”

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Buhagiar emphasises that their technology offers a practical solution by placing most infrastructure on the seabed, thus optimising the use of space and resources. “In congested port areas or ecologically sensitive regions, large battery banks aren’t feasible. Our system circumvents these issues.”

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As we discuss the advantages of their technology, Sant highlights the unique positioning of their solution. “Our approach is similar to pumped hydro storage, but instead of mountains, we use compressed air to create pressure. This allows us to store energy effectively in various sea depths, from shallow waters to deeper offshore sites.”

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Buhagiar’s insights reveal the potential for widespread application, including areas like the Mediterranean. “Our system can be tailored to different sea depths and environmental conditions, making it versatile and adaptable.”

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Overcoming Marine Deployment Challenges

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Deploying technology in the marine environment is not without its hurdles. “We had our share of tough lessons,” Buhagiar recalls. “Our first prototype faced a storm just after deployment, causing significant damage. But these experiences have strengthened our resolve and understanding.”

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Buhagiar adds, “We’re now working on larger scale prototypes and securing funding from the EU to certify and build a larger units. Each unit has to be engineered to meet project-specific requirements, tailored to the operational conditions of each wind farm.”

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Funding has been a crucial aspect of their journey. “Our initial prototype was funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology, Malta Marittima and the University Research, Innovation and Development Trust,” Sant says. We have also received technical assistance from Medserv plc for constructing the prototype and deploying it in the sea” . “Subsequent projects received support from the Energy and Water Agency, Transport Malta and the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. Raising funds through public institutions is competitive but rewarding.”

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The conversation shifts to the challenges of securing private sector funding. “In regions without a strong offshore renewables sector, raising industry funds is difficult,” Buhagiar notes. “However, in Northern Europe, where offshore wind is more established, there are better opportunities.”

The Future of Renewable Energy

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As we walk through their lab, I ask about the future of renewable energy. Buhagiar is optimistic. “Offshore wind is set to become a pillar of the future energy system. The main challenge is not ambition but the supply chain’s ability to keep up. Our technology aims to enhance the business case for wind farms, making them more profitable and encouraging further development.”

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Buhagiar concludes, “We’re also exploring other applications, such as repurposing decommissioned oil and gas pipelines for energy storage and supporting offshore hydrogen production. The possibilities are vast, and we’re continually finding new ways to apply our technology.”

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Reflecting on the local context, Sant mentions the need for a cultural shift in Malta. “There’s potential to expand R&D, but it requires a change in mindset. We’re more focused on manufacturing established products rather than creating new ones. However, with more funding and support, this can change.”