Flow Batteries: The Most Promising Stationary Energy Storage Battery Technology

With increasing emphasis on low carbon economy, the major thrust is being given by policy makers and governments for reducing carbon emissions from power generation and it is imminent that our major energy requirement shall be met by renewable energy sources. However, renewable sources (Solar, wind) are intermittent by nature and therefore it is becoming imperative to find economical and viable measures to store and re-use the stored energy at the time of actual demand. Flow batteries are simple electro-chemical devices which can meet the largescale stationary energy storage requirement of the near future as required for renewable energy integration. Vanadium flow batteries are now moving out from demonstration stage towards commercialization and offer a unique opportunity of energy storage systems which are safe, reliable, versatile, environment friendly as well as easy to understand, develop, deploy and maintain for long term energy storage requirements matching the life span of renewable energy plants. Cost reduction potential of these batteries is huge and once into full commercial operation these can easily match the cost expectation of the sector. It will be worthwhile for the country to explore, support and promote the development of this technology with the goal towards its indigenisation.