Australian Vanadium Ltd (ASX:AVL, OTCQB:ATVVF) subsidiary VSUN Energy Pty Ltd has made key appointments to progress Project Lumina, a modular, scalable, turnkey, utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) using vanadium flow battery (VFB) technology for Australian energy markets.
Experienced contractors
The company has engaged engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors Genus (LON:GNS) and Sedgman for early contractor involvement (ECI) services, and Austrian VFB manufacturer CellCube for technology provision.
The project will use proven VFB technology optimised for local conditions, ideal for medium-to-long duration utility-scale storage applications.
AVL CEO Graham Arvidson said: “VSUN Energy is rapidly progressing the next phase of Project Lumina, which incorporates the detailed design of a 100MW four- and eight-hour BESS using VFBs.
“We are pleased to be working with highly credible parties such as Genus, Sedgman and CellCube, and look forward to working together to develop energy storage solutions for utility-scale use across the country.”
Power conversion, system integration
Genus, a specialist in power and communications infrastructure, will deliver power conversion and transformer systems.
This builds on its recent EPC work for the 100MW/200MWh Kwinana BESS lithium-ion battery installation for Synergy, WA’s largest electricity generator and retailer of gas and electricity.
Sedgman will contribute its expertise in designing vanadium electrolyte storage and auxiliary systems, as well as system integration.
CellCube, a global leader in VFB technology, will supply power units, engineering designs and technical guidance.
Next (LON:NXT) phase refines assumptions
VSUN Energy recently completed Phase 1 of Project Lumina, which demonstrated the competitiveness of a modular, scalable 100MW VFB BESS, with levelised cost of storage (LCOS) of A$274/MWh for four-hour and A$251/MWh for eight-hour configurations.
Phase 2 aims to refine these assumptions and develop a delivery strategy.
During this phase the company will finalise designs for 100MW systems with durations of four and eight hours, refining cost estimates and exploring a ‘deconstructed’ BESS model to optimise returns and extend operational lifespans beyond 40 years. Design flexibility will address evolving energy market demands.
Key activities will include engaging energy offtakers, securing land access and evaluating funding and deployment models.