University Of Malta Spin-Off Company Wins Best Innovation Award For Its Sustainable Energy Storage Solution
A University of Malta spin-off company has won the Best Innovation Award at the Offshore Energy 2020 Conference in the Netherlands for its sustainable approach to energy storage.
The Hydro-Pneumatic Energy Storage solution was developed by FLASC B.V. and combines pressurised seawater with compressed air to create an “efficient, large-scale energy storage device” that can be applied across a wide range of applications.
The technology is intended for short-to-medium-term energy storage and provides a solution for converting an intermittent source of renewable power to meet consumer demand, effectively providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for offshore applications.
The idea for the innovative system was first developed at the University of Malta and, after successful proof-of-concept, a spin-off was established in the Netherlands under start-up FLASC B.V, a spin-off from the UoM.
“Being a small start-up and nominated for such a prestigious award alongside two giants of the industry is already an accomplishment in itself,” said co-founder and CEO of FLASC B.V., Daniel Buhagiar.
“Such an award is an encouraging show of confidence in what we are doing, and we now certainly look forward to the exciting steps ahead,” he said.
Following a jury of industry experts, FLASC B.V. was awarded the Best Innovation Award at the Offshore Energy Conference – beating out other offshore energy innovations over the past two years.
???? ???? Couldn’t be prouder to announce that FLASC has won this year’s Best Innovation Award at the @navingooe Offshore Energy 2020!#offshore #innovation #energy #energystorage #sustainability #startup #AwardWinning https://t.co/yXlckiEhBw pic.twitter.com/1G0rxfWvGZ
— FLASC (@FLASCstorage) October 30, 2020
“To win is of course a tremendous honour. We would like to express our gratitude to the jury for their consideration and constructive feedback,” Buhagiar said.
On another note, a research team at the UoM has been listed as a finalist in the Life Science category of the Falling Walls World Science Summit 2020 for developing a safer, ethical and more affordable form of stem cells.
The summit takes place between 1st and 10th November remotely.
Tag someone who loves science
READ NEXT: WATCH: Miriam Dalli Feels ‘Betrayed’ By Allegations That Plagued Joseph Muscat’s Administration But Says It Shouldn’t Overshadow His Good Work
