Battery boost: State pours $15 million into portable vanadium electrolyte manufacturing

Résumé détaillé

WA backs development of a high-capacity, relocatable manufacturing facility that produces on-site electrolyte for large-scale vanadium flow battery storage projects.

Western Australia has awarded $15 million to ASX-listed miner Australian Vanadium Limited to fund development of a high-capacity, relocatable manufacturing facility that produces on-site electrolyte for large-scale vanadium flow battery (VFB) storage projects.

The funding from the Cook Labor government’s Investment Attraction Fund (IAF) will contribute to the design, construction, and commissioning of the first deployment of AVL’s V-Nomad technology, which is designed to operate alongside VFB projects rather than producing electrolyte at a fixed central facility.

Under the agreement, the state will meet up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, capped at $15 million, with Australian Vanadium responsible for funding the balance.

VFB batteries use liquid vanadium electrolyte solutions contained within separate tanks to store and release electricity. They are non-flammable, and so offer a safer alternative to lithium-ion, offer longer storage duration and have a longer lifespan.

“The awarding of this grant is an important milestone for AVL and recognises the progress we have made in developing vanadium electrolyte manufacturing capability in Western Australia,” said Graham Arvidson, Australian Vanadium Limited’s CEO.

“The grant will support the next stage of development of our V-Nomad platform and our broader strategy of integrating Western Australian vanadium production, electrolyte manufacturing and utility-scale vanadium flow battery deployment, including through opportunities pursued by our downstream business, VSUN Energy.”

The Western Australia government’s funding also doubles down on its effort to build a local vanadium flow battery supply chain as well as skilled employment and training opportunities.

Funding will allow the government to invest further in energy transition initiatives by supporting grid-scale energy storage, strengthening critical minerals supply chains, and help to build local industries required for a low-carbon future.

“The Investment…

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