The facility recently produced its first batch of battery-ready high-purity vanadium electrolyte, meeting the stringent specifications required for vanadium flow batteries (VFBs), known for their long life cycle and high energy storage capacity and essential for large-scale energy storage systems.
These batteries are ideal for stabilising electrical grids and enhancing renewable energy efficiency. AVL's achievement is a step forward in the production of vanadium electrolyte, which is critical for VFBs.
Government backing
The state-of-the-art facility in Wangara, Perth, was officially opened in January this year by Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King, marking a key milestone in AVL's journey towards supporting Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure. This followed completion of the facility's construction in December 2023.
AVL has confirmed that the produced electrolyte's purity levels are within the expected range for VFB manufacturers.
Through its subsidiary VSUN Energy, AVL is also piloting a long-duration energy storage project in Kununurra, northern Western Australia, underlining the potential for localised, high-quality energy storage solutions.
The facility’s construction was supported by a $3.69 million grant from the Australian Government under the National Manufacturing Priority Roadmap.
Designed to produce up to 33 MWh of VFB energy storage annually, the facility is the centrepiece of AVL’s plans for a sustainable and self-sufficient energy storage ecosystem in Australia.
Moreover, AVL has embraced a complete 'pit to battery' strategy, aiming to provide a full-cycle vanadium supply chain from mining to battery production.
“The completion of the facility, coupled with the confirmation of the production of on-specification vanadium electrolyte from Western Australia’s first manufacturing facility, achieves another major milestone for AVL and is a positive reflection of the technical and operational expertise within our organisation. We are ready to accept orders for electrolyte and are actively pursuing sales," AVL CEO Graham Arvidson said.
