The Largest Renewable Energy Storage Project-Fives, a global industrial engineering group, has been selected by Zhonglv Zhongke Energy Storage Technology Co. to supply cryogenic equipment for the largest renewable energy storage project on an industrial scale. This project, located in Golmud, Qinghai province, China, is set to be operational by the end of 2024 and marks the first industrial-scale implementation of Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) technology.

The LAES unit will store 60 MW of solar energy, which will be redistributed into the grid to meet the energy needs of local industries and homes. This project not only signifies a milestone for Fives but also for the renewable energy sector as a whole. The main advantage of alternative energy is it is 100% decarbonized but also a major inconvenient for manufacturers: once they are produced, they need to be used almost instantly. However, the LAES technology showcases a viable and efficient alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage. At the heart of the LAES technology are six heat exchangers, supplied by Fives, that will liquify the air required to stock the solar energy produced so it can be released at a given time. These heat exchangers are produced in Fives’ workshops in Golbey, in the East of France.

Fives has been a leader in cryogenics for more than 65 years, designing key equipment that optimizes performance and reduces CO2 emissions. Vincent Pourailly, President of the Business Line Energy/Cryogenics at Fives, highlighted the company’s role in supporting the transition to decarbonized energy sources. “This ambitious project is another proof of Fives’ ability to support change in the industry and the emergence of decarbonized energy sources,” he says. Dr. Wei Ji, Chief Scientist at Zhonglv Zhongke Energy Storage Technology Co., echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the efficiency and sustainability of LAES technology. “The energy storage market offers vast opportunities for new applications, with LAES technology seeming the most efficient solution for a more sustainable world. We are happy to work with Fives on this breakthrough project,” he declares.

HyGen: Advancing Carbon-Free Mobility with Liquid Hydrogen-In another significant development, Fives has launched the HyGen project, aimed at enhancing carbon-free mobility through the use of liquid hydrogen. The project, in collaboration with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne, has secured €3.4 million in funding from the French government under the France 2030 program. The HyGen project is focused on scaling up the equipment necessary for liquid hydrogen use, aiming to increase existing capacities by a factor of ten. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen France’s competitiveness in the hydrogen sector and support the global demand for green mobility solutions. In addition to this growth in France, Fives Cryo Inc. based in Houston  is currently manufacturing LH2 brazed heat exchangers and cold boxes for eight green liquid hydrogen plants based in North America.

“As a leader in hydrogen liquefaction equipment, we are proud, with the HyGen project, to participate in the growth of this sector in France. A pioneer in the decarbonization of industry, Fives aims, with its partners, to support the energy transition and green mobility,” says Vincent Pourailly of Fives, highlighting the project’s goals.The project will also contribute to regional economic development, creating 85 new jobs in the Grand Est region of France, where Fives has been established for more than 120 years. The new positions will span various roles, including preliminary design, engineering, quality control, welding and production.

A Legacy of Innovation

For two centuries, Fives has been at the forefront of industrial innovation. From the construction of the first railway lines to the development of the Eiffel Tower lifts and the advent of Factory 4.0, Fives has consistently provided disruptive solutions and technologies. As a pioneer in both decarbonization and digitalization, the company’s ability to anticipate and respond to market needs has positioned it as a leader in industrial efficiency and sustainability. With operations in 25 countries and a workforce of 9,000 employees, Fives combines economic and environmental performance, tailoring its solutions to meet the specific requirements of each market. This approach has cemented its reputation as a trusted partner in driving industrial progress and environmental stewardship.

The projects in China and France illustrate Fives’ commitment to advancing renewable energy storage and hydrogen mobility. By leveraging its extensive expertise in cryogenics and industrial engineering, Fives is helping to pave the way for a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. The collaboration with Zhonglv Zhongke Energy Storage Technology Co. on the LAES project demonstrates the potential for scalable, efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions. Meanwhile, the HyGen project underscores the importance of hydrogen as a key element in the transition to green mobility. As global energy demands continue to evolve, Fives remains dedicated to supporting the development and implementation of innovative technologies that drive the energy transition. Through its strategic partnerships and pioneering projects, Fives is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy.
www.fivesgroup.com

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Cryogenic heat exchangers, known for their high reliability and low energy consumption, are widely used, for their high reliability and low energy consumption.
Credit: Fives