Australia (Commonwealth)_Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL) has successfully completed factory acceptance testing (FAT) for its vanadium flow battery (VFB), marking a very significant milestone for the company. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it is the first VFB to be manufactured using vanadium electrolyte produced entirely in Australia. The 220kWh battery is set to be installed at a Horizon Power facility located in Kununurra, Western Australia, where it will serve as a key solution for long-duration energy storage, capable of delivering up to 78kW of power.
The vanadium electrolyte used in this project was produced by AVL at its electrolyte manufacturing facility in Perth. This marks a major accomplishment for AVL, as it is the first instance of the company’s electrolyte being integrated into an operational VFB. Additionally, the electrolyte has been approved for use by Invinity Energy Systems, a prominent global manufacturer of vanadium flow batteries. This approval signals AVL’s growing influence in the energy storage market and further establishes its role as a key player in the vanadium battery value chain.
AVL’s Chief Executive Officer, Graham Arvidson, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting the successful completion of FAT. He emphasized that the VFB, which was purchased by Horizon Power, is now fully operational and represents a significant step forward for the company. Arvidson also highlighted the collaborative efforts of AVL’s subsidiary, VSUN Energy, which played a crucial role in integrating the battery with Horizon Power’s existing infrastructure. This partnership has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth integration of the new technology.
Over the past several months, VSUN Energy has worked closely with Horizon Power to align the battery system with their preferred hardware configurations. This cooperative effort has been a critical factor in the project’s success. Recently, the team at VSUN Energy welcomed representatives from Horizon Power to view the VFB, which is designed to support electricity grids that are increasingly reliant on variable renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. The battery’s ability to store and deliver energy for extended periods makes it a valuable asset in maintaining grid stability in regions where renewable energy generation can be intermittent.
The vanadium flow battery is now in the process of being transported to Horizon Power’s site in Kununurra, where it will undergo installation and further testing. Once it reaches the site, the battery will undergo site acceptance testing to ensure it meets all operational requirements before being fully commissioned. This stage is critical to ensuring that the battery will perform as expected in a real-world environment, where it will contribute to Horizon Power’s efforts to create a more resilient and sustainable energy grid.
In the broader context of AVL’s operations, this project is just one part of the company’s ambitious plans for vertical integration within the vanadium battery value chain. AVL is currently developing a vanadium mine near Meekatharra in Western Australia and is also constructing a concentrator near Mulwala. These facilities will supply the raw materials needed for vanadium electrolyte production, further solidifying AVL’s position as a key player in the global battery market. The company’s long-term strategy includes the expansion of its electrolyte manufacturing capabilities in Perth, as well as exploring additional opportunities for integration across the battery value chain.
The successful completion of the FAT for the Horizon Power VFB signals a new chapter for AVL, as the company continues to advance its position in the renewable energy sector. By producing vanadium electrolyte domestically and securing approval from a leading global VFB manufacturer, AVL is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for long-duration energy storage solutions. This development is also a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, as it continues to contribute to the transition towards a cleaner, more reliable energy future.
With the vanadium flow battery set to be operational at Horizon Power’s site in the near future, the collaboration between AVL, VSUN Energy, and Horizon Power underscores the potential for advanced energy storage technologies to play a transformative role in Australia’s renewable energy landscape. As more utilities and industries seek to integrate renewable energy into their operations, the demand for reliable, long-duration storage solutions like VFBs is expected to increase, further driving AVL’s growth and success in the sector.
