Vanadium Flow Batteries Advance as Grid Storage Option

Vanadium redox flow batteries, known as VRFBs, store energy in liquid electrolytes containing vanadium ions in four oxidation states kept in separate tanks. The design allows the energy storage portion to be scaled independently from the power generation portion.

VRFBs are described as safer and longer-lasting than lithium-ion batteries for utility-scale grid storage. Tanks can be placed underground and cell stacks positioned for heat management.

Upfront costs reach up to $500 per kilowatt-hour, which remains a barrier to mainstream adoption. The technology is presented as one option for grids that rely more on wind and solar generation. China's position in lithium supply chains is noted as a factor that could increase interest in alternative storage technologies.

VRFBs are described as a possible diversification path even if they do not replace lithium-ion batteries in every use case.