SIEW TechTable: Flow Batteries – the Game-Changer for Reliable and Sustainable Energy Storage

by User Not Found Oct 26, 2023, 10:20 AM

VFlowTech's Dr Avishek Kuma believes flow battery technology could hold the transformative potential to reshape the energy landscape.

In this SIEW TechTable, Dr Avishek Kumar, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VFlowTech, shed light on the transformative impact of flow battery technology in reshaping our energy landscape. What this means is that flow batteries can play a crucial role in making renewable energy more reliable, enhancing grid stability, and seamlessly integrating clean energy sources.

Dr Kumar shared how these innovative energy storage systems are changing the game for a sustainable and net zero energy transition.

A long duration storage

While achieving net zero emissions might sound straightforward, it is a multifaceted challenge that requires integrating various technologies to expedite the energy transition. Dr Kumar pointed to the development of flow battery technology as a key piece of this puzzle. He stressed that with the significant cost reductions in renewable energy over the past decade, there is a growing need to bridge the gap between intermittent demand for electric vehicles and other renewable energy applications and the availability of solar and wind energy.

This is where flow batteries step in. They offer a unique solution for large-scale renewable energy storage. This is particularly pertinent since both batteries and renewables have become cost-competitive with traditional energy sources such as coal. Additionally, the market for flow batteries is expanding rapidly, with an annual growth rate of 35 percent and reaching a value of approximately US$1.3 trillion.

Unique attributes of flow battery technology

Dr Kumar highlighted that among several energy storage technologies, including pumped hydro and chemical options, flow batteries stand out. They are reliable, cost-effective, safe, and capable of storing over 100 kilowatt-hours of energy with extended backup capacity.

But what makes flow batteries even more compelling is their remarkable performance in integrating renewable energy sources. Flow batteries also provide stable performance for 25 years, are inherently non-flammable, and offer a 100 percent depth of discharge. This makes them a viable solution for ensuring consistent power supply from intermittent renewables.

A real-world success story

Dr Kumar shared a real-world example, referring to VFlowTech's microgrid project on Pulau Ubin. Here, flow batteries and solar panels work together to support a 50-kilowatt load around the clock. The upside is immense, as Dr Kumar stated that "there is potential to scale this technology by 20,000 times to power Singapore".

Dr Kumar concluded by emphasising that flow batteries are exceptionally well-suited for stationary applications and large-scale grid infrastructure projects. These devices may look unassuming, but they could prove to be a game-changer in taking us one step closer to achieving net zero emissions.