The global energy landscape is shifting, with many seeking to reduce dependency on fossil fuels to drive sustainability and decarbonisation. However, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are inherently intermittent, creating a need for stable, long-duration energy storage solutions. Flow batteries provide a viable, long-term answer, allowing the storage of excess energy during peak production and deployment when needed, reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based backup systems.
On 28 April, a massive blackout affected the entire Iberian Peninsula, leaving more than 50 million people in Spain and Portugal without electricity. A sudden loss of around 15 gigawatts of electricity, which was about 60% of the demand at that time, occurred due to fluctuations in the voltage and frequency of the Iberian power grid. As a result, Spain and Portugal were disconnected from the European electricity system, causing an unexpected blackout. This event has generated concern and uncertainty, highlighting the fragility of electricity systems in the face of external failures and the need for robust and autonomous storage solutions.
Flow battery technology, exponentially, plays a role in energy resilience, securing it in challenging times of extreme weather events, or supply chain disruptions. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which rely on critical minerals often sourced from a limited number of countries, flow batteries primarily use more abundant and recyclable elements, increasing energy autonomy.
The Role of Flow Batteries in Energy Independence
Flow batteries provide a strategic advantage when building stable, self-reliant energy systems to the increasing concerns over energy storage.
With continued technological advancements, flow batteries can become a key asset of the global energy transition, securing reliable, independent, and sustainable power at the global level. Flow battery technology is capable of powering critical infrastructures such as emergency response systems or offering support to national grids by stabilizing fluctuation in renewable energy production, enhancing grid resilience, and reducing reliance on fossil fuel backed up power.
Investments in flow batteries can help ensure long-term energy stability, reducing vulnerabilities and fostering a cleaner, more resilient planet for future generations. The integration of this technology in energy strategies can take a significant step toward achieving energy independence while accelerating the shift to a decarbonised and sustainable future.
Let’s Talk Flow Batteries!
As the leading event for the flow battery community, the International Flow Battery Forum (IFBF) is dedicated to promoting the latest developments in the science, technology, and commercialisation of flow batteries. The conference covers a wide range of research and commercial topics and offers an opportunity to connect with global experts!
From June 24 to 26, 2025, the IFBF will take place at the Intercontinental Hotel in Vienna, supported by CellCube and Flow Batteries Europe. For three days, the conference will feature talks, panel and poster sessions, open discussions, networking opportunities, a conference dinner in the beautiful Palais Ferstel, and a site visit to the CellCube HQ.
We look forward to welcoming you in Vienna! Do not miss your chance to join the conversation and shape the future of long-term, sustainable energy storage. Information and tickets: https://www.accelevents.com/e/International-Flow-Battery-Forum-2025
