US invests $20 Mn to advance manufacturability of grid-scale flow battery systems

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $20 million for research and development (R&D) that will advance the manufacturability of mid-sized flow battery systems.

Flow batteries are electrochemical batteries that use externally stored electrolytes, making them cost less, safer, and more flexible and adaptable. While lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles and portable devices for various applications, flow batteries are particularly well-suited for grid storage needs.

“Mature flow battery technologies will allow the US to store and dispatch clean energy from renewable generation sources on a grid-scale, enabling flexible, resilient, and secure infrastructure,” an official statement said.

Developing and deploying energy storage capabilities will be critical to building a clean-energy economy and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The Department is helping the U.S. become the world leader in new storage technologies through its support for efficient, scalable manufacturing processes and robust supply chains.

“Flow batteries keep the energy flowin’ more reliably …that’s why they’re good for grid storage and that’s why we’re investing $$ in them! Cleaner, more efficient energy for all,” US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm tweeted.

With this funding opportunity, DOE will partner with industry to address technical and manufacturing challenges that have prevented flow battery systems from achieving cost targets and commercial viability. DOE seeks proposals for collaborative, multi-stage R&D projects that improve manufacturing processes for individual flow battery components and integrate those new or improved components into a prototype system with a mid-sized capacity for grid, industrial, or transportation applications.