TO THE EDITOR:

I look forward to Xcel’s $20 million experiment in iron-air batteries which is going to be conducted at the Sherco site, but I would like to temper the hype as this “proof of concept” experiments may not meet its touted goals.  Iron-air batteries were first tried back in the 60’s by NASA, but due to materials and other issues, were not successful.  “Form Energy”, believes they may have solved these issues.  Unfortunately in both press releases and videos (see below links) inaccurate statements are also made in regard to the current state of energy production that causes one to question the whole discussion.   For example, stating that these batteries can be used to store “surplus green energy”, of which there is no such thing. (except in some cases where the lines are unable handle the power generated by certain wind farms during high winds.)  Every kW of energy produced by wind and solar is used at the time it is generation. Videos: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a42532492/iron-air-battery-energy-storage/. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDjgSSO98VI&t=238s. So again, I hope it works, but someone needs to remind people that this may not be the best thing since sliced bread either so we shouldn’t give away the farm just yet.

Bret R. Collier

Big Lake, MN