The Flexbase-Invinity project in Switzerland, which recently started construction, is expected to deliver 2.1 GWh of energy storage capacity for a data center. This is a clear signal that large-scale, non-lithium energy storage is moving from plans and smaller installations into critical infrastructure.
As intermittent renewable energy generation from solar and wind continues to grow rapidly, energy storage capacity (in MWh/GWh) becomes increasingly important for grid stability, flexibility, and energy security. The scale of projects now being built also shows that the market is increasingly actively looking beyond conventional lithium-ion systems.
For Rivus this is also a clear signal from the market that the scale of the energy storage challenge will require many complementary technologies - and in the case of GWh-scale energy storage near a data center, flow batteries’ water-based, non-flammable chemistry, long cycle life and deep-cycling capabilities are clear advantages.
To build a truly renewable energy powered and resilient European grid our energy system will need multiple storage technologies, each optimized for different use cases, durations, and supply chain realities. It is encouraging to see European flow battery hardware manufacturers scaling up, and to see supply chains diversifying beyond today’s highly concentrated lithium-ion ecosystem!