Vanadium Flow Battery Enables Predictable Renewable Energy Supply

Fraunhofer Institute researchers have demonstrated a new method for managing renewable energy flow. Europe's largest vanadium redox flow battery successfully fed wind and solar power into the grid predictably. This test, conducted at the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, shows targeted energy delivery irrespective of weather patterns. The battery stores energy using a liquid electrolyte containing vanadium ions. Its capacity scales by increasing the electrolyte volume, suiting large-scale green energy integration. This development addresses a key challenge in the energy transition: storing surplus green electricity. The technology allows for the precise retention and release of excess power when the grid requires it. This ensures a consistent supply of clean energy to consumers and industries. Dr. Jens Noack, team manager for Flow Batteries at Fraunhofer ICT, stated, "We have shown that renewable energy can be managed intelligently with our storage platform." He described it as a "decisive step toward a stable, flexible, and resilient electricity system based on renewable sources." Experts anticipate this large-scale storage could lower electricity costs for households. It may also prevent outages during peak demand periods. Furthermore, it can stabilize energy fluctuations for businesses reliant on renewable sources.