Are flow batteries the future of energy storage?

Flow batteries are emerging as a transformative technology for large-scale energy storage, offering scalability and long-duration storage to address the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

What is a Technology Strategy assessment on flow batteries?

This technology strategy assessment on flow batteries, released as part of the Long-Duration Storage Shot, contains the findings from the Storage Innovations (SI) 2030 strategic initiative.

Are flow batteries better than traditional lithium-ion batteries?

Flow batteries, which store energy in liquid electrolytes housed in separate tanks, offer several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries.

How do flow batteries differ from solid-state batteries?

Flow batteries differ from solid-state batteries in that they have two external supply tanks of liquid constantly circulating through them to supply the electrolyte, which is like the “blood supply” for the system. The larger the electrolyte supply tank, the more energy the flow battery can store.

How long does a flow battery last?

The study, published in the journal Joule, reveals that the flow battery maintained its capacity for energy storage and release for over a year of constant cycling. A common food and medicine additive has shown it can boost the capacity and longevity of a next-generation flow battery design in a record-setting experiment.

Who are flow battery subject matter experts?

The Framework Team interviewed 26 flow battery subject matter experts (SMEs) who represented 20 organizations, ranging from industry groups (e.g., ESS, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation) to vendors (e.g., Primus Power, Largo Inc.) and National Laboratories (e.g., SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory).