A Western Australian government-owned power company that provides power supply, Horizon Power, has signed an agreement with Perth-based VSUN Energy to purchase a next-generation vanadium redox flow battery for a solar energy storage pilot . long term in Kununurra.
VSUN Energy, a subsidiary of Australian Vanadium Limited, will purchase, install and commission the revolutionary vanadium battery system.
Horizon Power's vanadium redox flow battery technology will be the 220kWh battery capable of delivering up to 78kW of power that will help Western Australia by providing 100% renewable energy for extended periods.
The batteries are manufactured by UK-based Invi Special Data nity Energy Systems. The company will sell its 0.2 MWh Invinity VS3 flow battery system to VSUN, which will install, operate and maintain the energy storage system.
Vanadium batteries have exceptional characteristics, including temperature flexibility, long-lasting capacity, and stable energy storage in harsh environments. Additionally, vanadium battery technology has the potential to provide a long-term sustainable solution for microgrids and off-grid energy systems, paving the way for a greener, more resilient energy landscape.
These batteries can store large amounts of energy and provide significant backup power during peak demand or power outages. Doing so minimizes the need for costly fossil fuel generation and grid infrastructure upgrades.
Vanadium flow batteries will always discharge completely without deteriorating or losing capacity. These batteries also allow for more sustainable energy, as the electrolyte used in vanadium flow batteries can be reused, meaning new vanadium does not need to be mined to replace the battery.
The vanadium battery is scheduled to arrive in Perth in early 2024. After extensive testing, it will fly to Kununurra to begin the pilot programme. Horizon Power is excited to demonstrate the long-term potential of 100% renewable energy and Horizon Power envisions a future where such solutions power the company's vast 2.3 million square kilometer networks.