Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are rechargeable batteries that store energy using a metal called vanadium. The vanadium can change into different forms to help store and release energy when needed.

Unlike traditional batteries such as lithium-ion or lead-acid, which rely on solid electrodes in a closed system, VRFBs store energy in liquid electrolytes held within external tanks. This allows for easy scaling of the battery’s energy capacity by adjusting the volume of electrolytes in the tanks.

A standout feature of VRFBs is how power and energy storage capacity are separate. Their power output is defined by the electrochemical stack, whereas their energy storage capacity is determined by the size of the external tanks. This design means VRFBs can be adjusted to meet different energy and power needs independently, making them flexible to the needs of individual projects.

Safety is another key advantage of VRFBs. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which rely on flammable organic electrolytes, VRFBs use non-flammable aqueous solutions, reducing fire risks significantly. They also deliver high energy efficiency.

By providing long-lasting, efficient, and safe energy storage, VRFBs are an ideal solution for integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid for a stable, green energy future.

We have a 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage system at Pulau Ubin, where our batteries provide round the clock energy to residents on the island.

We are also working on another project to use vanadium flow batteries in industrial tanks on Jurong Island.

Currently, we are embarking on a project with the Energy Market Authority (EMA) to study the potential for locating energy storage systems underground.

If we succeed, more of such energy storage systems can be sited underground. This would be a major plus point for a land-scarce city like Singapore.

However, going underground is not easy, as oxygen levels tend to fluctuate and air circulation can be tricky. Fire safety is also a concern. An underground energy storage system makes it more challenging to access the site to put out a fire, if it occurs.

That being said, we are hopeful as our energy storage solutions use non-flammable liquid, which means the chances of them catching fire are much lower.

We will need to tackle technological, economic, regulatory, and workforce challenges in a coordinated manner.

By driving innovation, reducing costs, fostering supportive policies, and developing skilled talent, we can transform power systems into more resilient, efficient, and sustainable networks.

Currently, they are only deployed in a few locations in Singapore. For large-scale adoption, cost efficiency has to improve significantly. And achieving this will require streamlining manufacturing processes and optimising supply chains to lower costs and make energy storage systems economically viable.

One of the major challenges we face at VFlowTech is the limited pool of individuals trained in the energy storage systems field. To bridge this gap, we are partnering with local universities to offer internships. These programmes provide students with hands-on experience, building a skilled future workforce for this emerging technology. Additionally, they contribute to developing Singapore’s talent pool in the energy storage sector to support a more sustainable energy future.

In the coming decades, we anticipate a significant increase in the adoption of energy storage solutions as countries, including Singapore, transition toward renewable energy sources. This shift will drive exponential growth in demand for efficient and scalable energy storage systems.

At present, many of VFlowTech’s projects are focused on pilot trials. In the short term, our primary goal is to scale these applications and demonstrate their commercial viability to prospective adopters. By showcasing the practicality and benefits of our solutions, we aim to pave the way for wider deployment.

My vision for VFlowTech is to remain a leading energy storage systems technology player in Singapore, continuously evolving and pushing boundaries to make energy storage more affordable and accessible for commercial use. If we succeed, our efforts can have a profound positive impact, providing the community at large with reliable access to clean energy.