To mark the commencement of the construction phase, leaders from Flow Batteries Europe (FBE) and the FlexBase Group convened in Laufenburg, Switzerland. Their collaboration aims to enhance energy security across Europe, especially as the demand for long-duration storage increases with the growing reliance on renewable energy sources.
Construction has officially begun on the world’s largest flow battery at a crucial electrical grid interconnection point situated at the borders of Germany, France, and Switzerland. This strategic location will facilitate the stabilization of electricity flows across national boundaries, thereby reinforcing Europe’s commitment to energy resilience and grid stability.
The flow battery system is designed to store energy for extended periods—ranging from hours to days—ensuring grid stability during times of low wind and solar energy production. Importantly, this technology does not depend on critical raw materials, which enhances both energy storage and energy security.
Marcel Aumer, Group CEO of VRP and Co-founder of FlexBase Group, stated, “The collaboration with FBE is a significant milestone for our project and for FlexBase as a company. Constructing an 800 MW and 1.6 GWh flow battery is unprecedented. Together, with the expertise of partners like FBE, we are developing a scalable model to manage renewable energy fluctuations across Europe.”
The FlexBase facility in Laufenburg will boast over 1.6 GWh of storage capacity and an output exceeding 800 MW, occupying 20,000 square meters. This installation will exemplify one of the safest energy storage technologies available, characterized by its non-flammable, non-explosive nature and absence of critical raw materials such as lithium or cobalt. Flow batteries provide exceptional safety and environmental performance for large-scale grid storage, thanks to their water-based electrolytes and stable chemistry, which eliminate fire risks. This allows data centers, offices, and staff facilities to operate safely within the same premises.
Anthony Price, Secretary General of Flow Batteries Europe, emphasized the necessity for regulatory frameworks that support long-duration storage technologies like flow batteries. Research by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) indicates that up to 351 TWh of long-duration storage may be essential to manage extended renewable energy shortfalls, even with cross-border grid interconnections.
Flow Batteries Europe is establishing a joint working group to formulate policy recommendations, incorporating insights and experiences from the Laufenburg project. Participants can learn more about this initiative and other trends in the flow battery sector at the upcoming International Flow Battery Forum, scheduled to take place in Vienna from June 24-27, 2025.
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