Celebrating 40 years of the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery

Join us in celebrating 40 years of innovation, as we honour Emeritus Professor Maria Skyllas-Kazacos and the many students and researchers whose passion, commitment and hard work helped to create the VRFB technology that is now being commercialised around the world.

As Australia accelerates its transition to a cleaner energy future, the Vanadium Redox Flow battery will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between intermittent renewables and reliable power supply, providing long-duration energy storage to ensure a sustainable and resilient grid.

Benefits of VRFB Technology

1. Longevity: Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, Vanadium flow batteries can last for decades. Their unique design allows for unlimited charge and discharge cycles without compromising performance.

2. Scalability: VFB systems can be easily scaled up or down to meet specific energy storage requirements and are easily adaptable for residential, commercial, or utility-scale applications.

3. Safety: VFBs use non-flammable electrolytes, reducing the risk of fire or explosion. This safety feature is crucial for large-scale installations.

4. Efficiency: Vanadium in the electrolyte retains its efficiency regardless of the number of charge/discharge cycles. This means no loss of performance over time.

5. Recyclability: Vanadium electrolyte is reusable and recyclable.

Australia’s Opportunity

Australia, with its abundant renewable energy resources, is well-placed to benefit significantly from VFB technology.

1. Renewable Integration: VFBs can store excess solar and wind energy, allowing Australia to maximise its renewable potential.
   

2. Remote Areas: VFBs are ideal for powering remote communities and mining operations, reducing reliance on diesel generators.

3. Abundant Vanadium Deposits: Australia boasts the third-largest amount of Vanadium, behind China and Russia.

E/Prof Skyllas-Kazacos’s work with the team at the ARC Research Hub for Integrated Energy Storage Solutions continues to impact the global energy transition, paving the way for long duration energy storage solutions emphasizing safety, scalability, and efficiency.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT: Enabling an early Australian community battery trial

The Narrabri Shire, one of Australia's "coal-impacted communities," was granted federal funding for a community battery, primarily due to the efforts of Hub partner Geni.Energy to make it happen, with an application supported by Hub research outcomes.

After undertaking a project looking at the viability of community batteries at different scales and demonstrating extensive ongoing community engagement, Geni.Energy received federal government support to begin the Narrabri Community Battery Trial Project.

Geni.Energy was one of only two organisations eligible for Stream 2 of the funding made available through the Community Batteries for Household Solar program.

The project will install and commission Narrabri's first 500kWh battery in the Town Hall carpark, which will soak up excess solar energy during the day and make it available at night. It is anticipated that this project will bring localised benefits to homes with solar panels as well as supporting the grid. Geni.Energy hopes that the experience gained through the trial can be used to help other communities transition to renewable energy.

Read more about the project from Geni.Energy Managing Director, Sally Hunter: Why we need to fight for the "community" in community batteries (24 June, 2024)

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT: Solar & battery calculator features in government's Solar Consumer Guide

SunSPOT is a solar and battery calculator built by Hub researchers in partnership with the Australian PV Institute to help households and small businesses navigate the confusing and highly technical solar sales market. The online tool enables users to access free, independent and reliable advice about how much solar they need, how much solar will fit on their homes and how much money they can save on their electricity bills.

Earlier this year, the Australian government released the Solar Consumer Guide to help more Australians reap the benefits of rooftop solar. SunSPOT is featured in this guide as part of the step-by-step independent advice offered to those considering purchase of a solar system.

With free estimates from SunSPOT and helpful advice from the Solar Consumer Guide, consumers can feel more confident about buying the right solar systems for their homes and small businesses.