Western Australia’s regional energy provider Horizon Power has purchased a vanadium redox flow battery for a long-duration energy storage pilot in Kununurra.

The 78-kilowatt/220kWh battery will enable Horizon Power to test the capabilities of providing long periods of 100 per cent renewable energy, with the potential for it to be used across WA.

Horizon Power has signed an agreement with VSUN Energy, a subsidiary of Australian Vanadium Limited, for the purchase, installation, and commissioning of the vanadium battery.

Vanadium batteries are temperature resilient in harsh environments, have a long duration capacity, and provide stable energy storage.

The battery can store high volumes of excess energy and provide backup power during times of peak demand or when power supply is interrupted.

It also minimises the need for costly fossil fuel generation and grid infrastructure upgrades.

The technology has the potential to provide a long-term solution for microgrids and off-grid power systems.

This pilot will provide key learnings around how the technology can be effectively integrated into Horizon Power’s network.

The battery is expected to arrive in Perth early 2024. After successful testing, it will then be transported to Kununurra.

The Cook Government recently allocated $625 million for Kwinana Battery Stage Two, which is expected to be operational late 2024.

Energy Minister Bill Johnston said vanadium redox flow batteries are specifically designed to deliver energy over a long period of time, which is crucial for achieving the high levels of decarbonisation we are after.

“If the pilot is successful, there is potential to expand the use of long-duration, 100 per cent renewable energy across Horizon Power’s 2.3 million square-kilometre network.”