Energy Storage in Australia - The Role of Flow Batteries

As Australia accelerates its transition to renewable energy, finding efficient ways to store electricity has become paramount. With the rapid expansion of solar and wind power, innovative technologies like flow batteries are set to play a pivotal role in securing a sustainable energy future.

The Growing Need for Advanced Storage Solutions

Renewable energy generation is inherently intermittent. The sun doesn't always shine, and the wind doesn't always blow, making energy storage crucial for maintaining a stable power grid. Traditional lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydroelectric systems have been key players so far. However, flow batteries, a hybrid between conventional batteries and fuel cells, are emerging as a compelling alternative for long-duration energy storage.

Flow batteries stand out for their ability to deliver power for up to 12 hours, significantly longer than the four to six hours typical of lithium-ion systems. This capability is vital as Australia phases out fossil fuel-based backup generators, leaning more heavily on renewable sources.

What Are Flow Batteries?

Flow batteries differ fundamentally from conventional batteries. Instead of storing energy in solid electrodes, they use liquid electrolytes housed in external tanks. The electrolytes are pumped through a reactor, where energy is produced via chemical reactions at inert electrodes. This design allows for customisation of both power output and storage capacity by adjusting the size of the tanks or the concentration of the electrolytes.

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A conventional redox flow battery illustration, showing two energy storage tanks and the electrochemical reaction cells. Colintheone, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of their most significant advantages is cost-effectiveness for long-duration storage. Unlike conventional batteries that require entirely new units to expand capacity, flow batteries only need additional electrolyte. They are also incredibly durable, capable of tens of thousands of cycles, with electrolytes that can last indefinitely. Their one notable drawback is their weight, which makes them unsuitable for portable applications.

Promising Chemistries: Vanadium, Iron, and Zinc

Flow batteries can utilise different chemistries, each with unique benefits and challenges.

Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries

Developed in the 1980s at the University of New South Wales, vanadium flow batteries use a single element in multiple oxidation states, simplifying operations and avoiding cross-contamination. This durability has made them a preferred choice for commercialisation, with global installations growing rapidly, particularly in China. Australia entered the fray in 2023 with its first megawatt-scale vanadium battery in South Australia, storing solar energy for grid use. However, vanadium’s fluctuating supply and demand—mainly driven by the steel industry—pose challenges. Encouragingly, new mines and processing facilities are being fast-tracked in Australia, with Townsville now hosting the country's first vanadium electrolyte factory.

Iron Flow Batteries

Iron flow batteries are gaining attention for their cost efficiency and environmental benefits, relying on abundant and inexpensive iron. However, they face hurdles, such as the need for high-purity iron chloride to reduce corrosion. A Queensland-based initiative aims to produce these batteries domestically, with a new factory in Maryborough expected by 2026.

Zinc Bromine Flow Batteries

Zinc bromine batteries offer high electricity output but are grappling with technical challenges, including preventing dendrite formation that can lead to short circuits. Despite these issues, their high efficiency and versatility make them a strong contender for various energy storage applications.

Building an Australian Battery Industry

Australia has a unique opportunity to become a leader in battery manufacturing. With vast reserves of critical minerals like lithium and vanadium, the country is well-positioned to not only supply raw materials but also produce batteries domestically. The federal government’s recent A$500 million national battery strategy aims to bolster this effort by focusing on lithium-ion and flow battery technologies.

Automation could further enhance competitiveness by reducing the historically high costs of manual assembly in flow battery production. Efforts to streamline these processes are already underway, potentially making Australian-made batteries globally viable.

A Green and Electrified Future

The demand for batteries will soar as the world embraces electric vehicles and renewable energy grids. By scaling up its battery manufacturing capabilities, Australia can contribute significantly to global decarbonisation while securing its energy independence. Within the next decade, the nation could emerge as a key player in the clean energy revolution, exporting not only critical minerals but also cutting-edge energy storage solutions.

Flow batteries may not be a household name yet, but their potential to reshape Australia’s energy landscape is undeniable. With strategic investment and innovation, these long-duration storage systems could be the backbone of a resilient, renewable-powered future.

Article information source: The Conversation - Australia needs better ways of storing renewable electricity for later. That’s where ‘flow batteries’ can help

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