Flow batteries are no longer a technology of the future. They are becoming a cornerstone of the global energy transition, and the 2026 edition of the IFBF in Budapest is where the whole community meets to prove it.
The International Flow Battery Forum (IFBF) is set to return from 16 to 18 June for its 16th edition in Budapest, Hungary, at the centrally located InterContinental Hotel, with a pre-conference workshop on membranes in flow batteries planned for 15 June.
Expecting around 350 attendees, more than 50 speakers and 21 exhibitors, the event aims to bring together the global flow battery community to discuss the latest advancements in science, technology, and commercialisation. The IFBF has also an option to attend virtually.
Flow batteries are a next-generation, sustainable energy storage solution. They are rechargeable batteries that store energy in liquid electrolytes held in external tanks, allowing scalable, long-duration energy storage. Flow batteries are used in renewable energy systems, remote industrial locations and data centres.
This year’s edition will feature a wide variety of panels, technical presentations, poster sessions, networking activities, and a site visit close to Lake Balaton to view a local flow battery in action.
Throughout the 3 days, industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers will exchange insights from across the flow battery sector, build connections and discover new talents. In the fully booked exhibition area, 21 exhibitors will showcase their latest technologies and build new business relationships with delegates from all over the world.
The event’s programme aims to cover the entire flow batteries value chain, with spotlights on vanadium, organic, inorganic, aqueous and iron flow batteries, and another wide range of topics such as supply chain issues, market trends, and technical developments.
Among the highlighted topics, particular attention will be given to the growing role of flow batteries in AI data centres. As the energy demands of data centres grow increasingly dynamic, flow batteries are emerging as a compelling long-duration solution, with projects across the US, Asia, Europe, and Australia already demonstrating their potential.
Energy policy will also feature prominently, with Péter Kaderják from the Hungarian Battery Association addressing the long-duration energy storage sector in Eastern Europe, and Peteris Ustubs from the European Commission providing a broader view of EU energy policy.
Rounding out the programme, IFBF 2026 will showcase success stories from across the sector, with manufacturers presenting on how projects move from demonstration to bankable infrastructure, thus helping new investors mitigate perceived risks and accelerate larger-scale deployment.
Through a dedicated speed pitching and poster session, the new talents of flow batteries have the chance to showcase their research and skills and gain a foot through the door of the flow battery industry.
In the multiple additional activities the forum includes, participants will get to know each other while exploring the beautiful capital of Hungary. The conference dinner organised in the prominent Gundel Restaurant will give the perfect opportunity to wind down after the busy first day. To kickstart the second day with energy, a group run by the Danube banks will take place, and in the evening, a chance to cruise along the riverside in the centre of Budapest, admiring the illuminated Parliament and Castle.
In doing so, the IFBF wants to make sure that every delegate leaves with insightful knowledge gained, new connections established and unforgettable memories made.
IFBF 2026 would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors: CellCube, Quino Energy, Wontai Power, JNTG, Rongke Power, AMG Titanium, H2 Inc, InoHub Energy, Volterion, and Pinflow, as well as Flow Batteries Europe as official supporter of the event.
Tickets – onsite and online – are still available on the official ticketing platform.
