Process development and scale-up of organic flow batteries for a sustainable Swedish battery value chain

Purpose and goal

The project aims to industrialize Rivus’ metal-free, water-based electrolyte and replace today’s metal-dependent flow-battery chemistries with a safer, cheaper and more sustainable alternative. The objective is to scale posolyte and negolyte production to ton-scale, establish a European supply chain, and demonstrate the technology in a 100–140 kWh module under real operating conditions to reach TRL 8.

Expected effects and result

The project is expected to deliver ton-scale, industrially reproducible electrolyte, validated performance in commercial hardware and a certified Swedish/EU supply chain. Outcomes include reduced system cost, lower climate impact and improved energy resilience. Effects include strengthened competitiveness, verified LCA/LCOS data and solid foundations for commercial agreements and procurement.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is organized into five work packages: project management, supplier establishment, process scale-up, pilot installation and LCA/LCOS analysis. Chemical processes are optimized from lab to ton-scale with contract manufacturers. A 100–140 kWh module is then installed at a demand owner for long-term testing. Data supports quality assurance, safety documentation and commercialization.