Recently, the Union Minister for Power, inaugurated India’s first megawatt-hour (MWh) scale  (VRFB) system at NTPC’s NETRA, Noida. 

• VRFBs are one of the next generation battery technologies that offer critical advantages for grid-scale and renewable energy integration, supporting India’s transition towards sustainable power systems.

About Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB)

• Working Principle: VRFB is a type of flow battery where energy is stored in liquid electrolytes containing vanadium ions in different oxidation states. 
• These electrolytes are circulated through cell stacks separated by an ion-selective membrane, which allows ions to pass while preventing mixing. 
• The same element (vanadium) is used for both electrolytes, preventing cross-contamination and delivering a longer operational life.​
• Advantages:
• • Scalability: Energy capacity depends on electrolyte volume, while power output is set by the cell stack size; both can be scaled independently.
  • Safety: The water-based electrolyte is non-flammable, making the system safer than lithium-ion batteries.
  • Longevity: Electrolyte can be reused or recycled, and the system can endure thousands of charge/discharge cycles without degradation.
  • Full Discharge Tolerance: it can be fully discharged (100%) safely, unlike lithium-ion batteries, which risk damage if discharged completely.
  • Eco-friendly: Reduced reliance on rare-earth and lithium imports, promoting indigenous solutions.​

Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) Vs. Lithium-Ion Battery

Differences between Flow batteries and Solid-state batteries

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Significance

• Strengthening Renewable Integration: Large-scale deployment of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs), such as at NTPC NETRA, Noida, mitigates renewable energy intermittency, ensuring stable integration of solar and wind power into the national grid.
• Enhancing Energy Security and Sustainability: VRFBs diversify India’s energy storage portfolio, reduce dependence on imported lithium and rare earths, and set new benchmarks for safety and environmental sustainability.
• Boosting Technological Leadership: With growing domestic expertise in flow-battery systems, India is emerging as a global leader in long-duration energy storage (LDES) and clean energy innovation.

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