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Lointek has presented its new strategic long-term energy storage project for the British company Highview, a world leader in storage solutions and energy flexibility. The event took place at Lointek’s facilities in Urduliz.

Lointek has been responsible for the design, manufacture and supply of thermal systems for an innovative liquid air energy storage plant, believed to be the largest facility of its kind in the UK.

The project was presented during an institutional visit to the company’s facilities by the Deputy General of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe, and the Provincial Deputy for Economic Promotion, Ainara Basurko. During the visit, both representatives were able to see first-hand the equipment for the Highview project.

Long-term energy storage

LAES (Liquid Air Energy Storage) technology allows renewable energy to be stored for long periods by cooling the air, using surplus renewable energy from the grid, until it becomes liquid at extremely low temperatures.

Subsequently, the liquid air returns to a gaseous state and expands to generate energy by driving a turbine that produces electricity when the power system requires it, making it an essential solution for ensuring the flexibility, stability and safety of renewable energy-based power grids. The system is based on “molten salt” storage.

LAES is a pioneering technology, developed by a limited number of companies worldwide with strong industrial capabilities and experience in extreme cooling and liquid air storage systems. In this context, Lointek is positioned as one of the few organizations with specialized expertise in the manufacture of complex equipment for the energy sector.

More than 50 years of useful life

The Highview plant will have a storage capacity of 300 MWh and a capacity of 50 MW, enabling it to supply energy for periods of up to six hours and reinforcing the stability of the UK’s electricity grid. Operations are scheduled to start in 2027 and the infrastructure has been designed with a lifetime of more than 50 years.

In this project, the thermal systems developed by Lointek play a key role in optimizing energy efficiency and ensuring the operational reliability of the facility. The equipment designed and manufactured by the company will be delivered in the coming weeks.

These systems will be incorporated into a key energy infrastructure designed to integrate renewable energy sources and strengthen the stability of the UK electricity system.