WA to test out long-duration vanadium battery

Western Australia’s regional energy provider Horizon Power has purchased a vanadium redox flow battery in order to test the capabilities of providing long periods of 100% renewable energy, with the potential for this type of technology to be used across the state.

The 78 kW/220 kWh battery will be deployed in a long-duration energy storage pilot program in Kununurra. The pilot is expected to provide key insights into how the technology can be effectively integrated into Horizon Power’s network.

Horizon Power signed an agreement with VSUN Energy, a subsidiary of Australian Vanadium Limited, for the purchase, installation and commissioning of the vanadium battery, which is expected to arrive in Perth early 2024. After successful testing, it will then be transported to Kununurra.

Vanadium batteries are temperature resilient in harsh environments, have a long duration capacity and provide stable energy storage.

The battery can store high volumes of excess energy and provide backup power during times of peak demand or when power supply is interrupted. It also minimises the need for costly fossil fuel generation and grid infrastructure upgrades.

The technology has the potential to provide a long-term solution for microgrids and off-grid power systems.

“Vanadium redox flow batteries are specifically designed to deliver energy over a long period of time, which is crucial for achieving the high levels of decarbonisation we are after,” said Energy Minister Bill Johnston.

“If the pilot is successful, there is potential to expand the use of long-duration, 100% renewable energy across Horizon Power’s 2.3 million square-kilometre network.”

Image caption: Aerial view of Kununurra. Image credit: iStock.com/Rini Kools