Groundbreaking Collaboration Set to Deploy Large-Scale Vanadium Flow Batteries in UK.
Tuesday 18 February 2025
Invinity Energy Systems plc and Frontier Power Limited today announced a landmark partnership aimed at deploying vanadium flow batteries at an unprecedented scale as part of the upcoming UK Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) procurement process from energy regulator Ofgem. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the UK’s clean energy transition, targeting a boost to domestic manufacturing, creating jobs, and positioning the UK as a global leader in advanced energy storage technologies.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
- Frontier Power is targeting multiple bids utilising Invinity’s battery technology into the first application window of Ofgem’s LDES cap-and-floor scheme
- Up to 2 gigawatt-hours of Invinity’s manufacturing capacity has been reserved by Frontier Power on a right of first refusal basis
- Invinity’s vanadium flow batteries are Made in Britain at the Company’s factories in Scotland and offer significant advantages over other battery technologies
- Scaling up UK battery manufacturing has the potential to create skilled jobs in the clean energy sector
- Ambitions to expand the partnership globally in other markets and attract investment into the UK.
- Deployment of large-scale vanadium flow battery projects will enhance UK’s energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
“Our alliance with Invinity marks a pivotal step in revolutionizing the UK’s approach to long-duration energy storage. Frontier Power’s track record in developing critical energy infrastructure, coupled with Invinity’s innovative battery technology, creates a formidable force in addressing the UK’s energy transition challenges. This partnership goes beyond deploying batteries; it’s about building a sustainable, secure energy future for the UK while creating economic opportunities across the country.”
– Humza Malik, Chief Executive Officer, Frontier Power
Addressing Critical Energy Challenges
The collaboration comes at a crucial time for the UK energy sector. With the nation spending approximately £3 billion and rising annually to balance the grid, the need for scalable, large-scale energy storage solutions has never been more pressing.
Vanadium flow batteries offer a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion technology, addressing key concerns such as fire safety, recyclability, and long-term degradation. By providing long-duration storage capabilities, these batteries can play a pivotal role in stabilising output from the UK’s own solar and wind generation and ultimately reduce energy bills for consumers as a result.
Above: Vanadium flow batteries at Invinity’s Motherwell, UK facility
Boosting UK Manufacturing and Innovation
This partnership underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering domestic innovation and manufacturing in the clean energy sector. Invinity’s strong UK presence, specifically in the Central Belt of Scotland where the Company has significant R&D and manufacturing capabilities, strengthens Invinity’s position as a global leader in flow battery technology.
Global opportunities
While initially focused on the UK market, this partnership has significant global potential. As countries worldwide seek to decarbonize their energy systems, the expertise and scale developed through this collaboration could position the UK as a major exporter of advanced energy storage solutions as well as help boost foreign direct investments into the UK. Frontier Power’s active presence in other countries, especially in Asia, provides a platform for expanding this partnership and deploying UK battery technology on a global scale.
“Frontier Power combines deep energy and project finance expertise with significant relevant experience in developing and financing interconnector projects which operate on the same cap and floor revenue model upon which the LDES cap and floor scheme is being based. We are delighted to be partnered with them using their invaluable experience in this area to address the need for long duration energy storage in the UK and further afield.
“Maximising the use of the UK’s own energy resources in the form of wind and solar power is essential to delivering enhanced energy security while also driving down costs for consumers. By deploying our Made in Britain batteries in partnership with Frontier Power and others across the UK energy industry, we are meeting this challenge head on.”
– Jonathan Marren, Chief Executive Officer, Invinity Energy Systems