A major EU funded research study undertaken over the past 10 years has proven that the cost of producing electricity from coal or oil would double and the cost of electricity production from gas would increase by 30% if external costs such as damage to the environment and to health were taken into account. It is estimated that these costs amount up to 1-2 % of the EU's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), not including the cost of global warming. They have to be covered by society at large, since they are not included in the bills which electricity consumers pay. The EXTERNE project, which was undertaken by researchers from all EU Member States and the United States of America, was designed to quantify these socio-environmental costs of electricity production. It is the first research project ever to put plausible financial figures against damages resulting from different forms of electricity production (fossil, nuclear and renewable) for the entire EU.
A life-cycle assessment approach of the environmental impact of both Vanadium Redox and lead-acid batteries for use in stationary applications, indicates that the Vanadium Redox Battery contributes between 7-25% of emissions of key environmental impact components (CO2, SO2, CO, CH4, NOx) during its life cycle, when compared with lead-acid batteries.
VRB has developed a detailed Risk Management Plan (RMP) for its projects. Depending upon classification of the project, we expect to take 75 to 90 days for permit approvals. In some cases public review may be required which can delay this approval. The primary consideration in the permitting process is that of sulphuric acid use. Considerable reference material and knowledge of this substance's use exists in law and since the VRB-ESS produces no hazardous waste of any form, proper engineering design is considered an appropriate method of meeting environmental planning and siting requirements.
The amount of sulfuric acid at the site triggers the requirements of the California Accidental Release Prevention Program (CalARP), which is required to be addressed in all California jurisdictions. Large VRB facilities are likely to be categorized as a "Program 2" facility and thus undergo public review/comment. The requirements of CalARP are prescriptive and involve a detailed evaluation of the potential release of sulfuric acid. This evaluation must be completed by VRB and reviewed/approved by the County. There are three program levels (1, 2, 3) in CalARP, each with different evaluation requirements and level of complexity; Program 1 is the simplest while Program 3 is the most complex. It is anticipated, based on the potential quantity of sulfuric acid and its use, that VRB's facility would be categorized as a Program 2 site. As Program 2, it is still necessary to undergo public review and comment, however the evaluation process is much less rigorous.
EPA Risk Management Data Elements
Safety Procedures
Offsite Consequence Analysis: Worst-Case Scenario & Alternative Release Scenario
Accident Investigation Procedures
Prevention Program 2 or 3: Chemical and Process Data, Process Hazard Analysis, Details on Release Detection & Monitoring Devices and Standard operating Procedures (SOPs)
External Events (Seismic)
Response Plan
Certifications
¹ "Environmental assessment of Vanadium Redox and Lead-acid Batteries for Stationary Energy Storage", C.J. Rydh, 21" International Power Sources Symposium 10-12 May 1999, Brighton, UK.