UK’s largest flow battery energised in Oxford

The UK’s largest flow battery has been energised as part of the Energy Superhub Oxford project led by Pivot Power.

The 2MW/5MWh vanadium redox flow battery manufactured by Invinity Energy Systems is being combined with a 50MW/50MWh lithium-ion battery to operate as a single energy storage asset, which is also the largest battery to be directly connected to the UK’s transmission network to date.

The partners said this hybrid approach will allow them to leverage the respective advantages of the different technologies. The flow battery does not degrade with usage and will therefore be used as a buffer, acting as the “first line of response” and performing much of the “heavy-lifting” to reduce wear on the higher capacity lithium-ion battery.

Tim Rose, programme manager for Energy Superhub Oxford at Pivot Power said: “Energising the vanadium flow battery is an important step towards full commissioning and operation of the system. Once live, this cutting-edge hybrid battery will demonstrate how vanadium flow and lithium-ion technologies can be combined for maximum benefit, to accelerate net zero and power our lives with clean energy.”

The hybrid battery system will share its connection with a private wire supplying power to electric vehicle charging stations and domestic ground-source heat pumps in Oxford.

Invinity chief executive Larry Zulch said: “Energising the largest flow battery in the UK marks a proud moment for Invinity, but even more important is how this innovative project is a model for cities worldwide. It demonstrates that energy storage pioneers such as Pivot Power can collaborate with local government to deliver a future-proofed, flexible grid that supports the renewable energy transition and the shift to an electrified, net zero future.”

Pivot Power is using the project as a blueprint for a 2GW fleet of transmission-connected batteries that will likewise provide power to nearby electric vehicle charging stations.