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14 October 2024


Advancements in long-duration energy storage, which are crucial for the future utilisation of renewable sources like solar and wind, will be discussed at UNSW Sydney this week.


Emeritus Professor Maria Skyllas-Kazacos and her team at UNSW will host the 40th Anniversary Flow Battery Innovation Symposium, marking four decades since the groundbreaking invention of the vanadium redox flow battery (VFB).


Since the first 1 kW vanadium flow battery was built at UNSW, the technology has evolved significantly, with systems now being installed internationally at capacities into gigawatt hour scale.


This scaling up of flow battery deployments signals a major shift in the global energy landscape, as countries turn to long-duration energy storage to support renewable power sources.



VFBs are gaining traction globally for their ability to provide safe, reliable, and long-duration energy storage. In contrast to traditional lithium-based batteries, flow batteries offer the advantages of being non-flammable, non-explosive, and highly scalable. This makes them an ideal solution for stabilising the grid in a renewable energy-driven future.


For Australia, this presents an exciting economic opportunity — not only to supply the growing global demand for vanadium and flow battery solutions, but to establish itself as a leader in the production and deployment of these technologies on a world stage.


The Symposium, taking place on 15-16 October, will bring together key players across the flow battery supply chain, including researchers, industry leaders, and government stakeholders, to promote understanding of the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities presented by flow batteries.


Australia’s Opportunity as a Global Leader in Flow Battery Innovation

Australia is poised to lead the way in the development and manufacturing of flow batteries, particularly vanadium-based systems, due to its significant vanadium reserves and expertise in renewable energy technologies.


A quarter of the world’s vanadium reserves are found in Australia, making it a natural hub for both resource extraction and the downstream production of vanadium electrolytes and flow batteries. By capitalising on these resources, Australia can develop a domestic flow battery manufacturing sector that ensures both energy security and economic growth.


“The vanadium flow battery offers a unique solution to the energy storage needs of renewable sources like solar and wind,” said Professor Skyllas-Kazacos.


“Unlike traditional batteries, flow batteries store energy in electrolyte solutions, allowing for flexible and scalable energy storage at lower costs for long-duration applications.


“And Australia is ideally placed to become a major manufacturer of flow batteries, both for domestic use and for the international market.”


Symposium Highlights and Agenda

The Symposium will feature presentations and discussions that showcase current developments in flow battery technology, commercialisation efforts, and Australia's emerging leadership in the field.


Topics include:


Market Opportunities in Australia: Exploring the growing demand for flow batteries in the Australian Energy Market, driven by the need for long-duration storage solutions.


Flow Battery Manufacturing in Australia: Highlighting efforts by local companies to establish domestic capabilities, including vanadium mining, electrolyte production, and battery manufacturing.


Government Policy and Support: Discussing the vital role of government investment and policy frameworks, such as the Battery Breakthrough Initiative, in positioning Australia as a global leader in energy storage.


The event will also feature insights from manufacturers planning operations in Australia, detailing how the country’s critical mineral reserves can fuel a thriving flow battery industry.

 

Contact Information 

For further information or media enquiries, please contact: 

Monica Brockmyre

0450 355 869

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.




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)

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