PRESS RELEASE

Frontier Power and Invinity Energy Systems Commence Strategic Partnership to Accelerate UK's Clean Energy Transition


Groundbreaking Collaboration Set to Deploy Large-Scale Vanadium Flow Batteries in UK

Frontier Power Limited and Invinity Energy Systems plc (AIM:IES) today announced a landmark partnership aimed at deploying vanadium flow batteries at an unprecedented scale as part of the upcoming UK Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) procurement process from energy regulator Ofgem. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the UK's clean energy transition, targeting a boost to domestic manufacturing, creating jobs, and positioning the UK as a global leader in advanced energy storage technologies.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

  • Frontier Power is targeting multiple bids utilising Invinity’s battery technology into the first application window of Ofgem's LDES cap-and-floor scheme

  • Up to 2 gigawatt-hours of Invinity’s manufacturing capacity has been reserved by Frontier Power on a right of first refusal basis

  • Invinity’s vanadium flow batteries are Made in Britain at the Company’s factories in Scotland and offer significant advantages over other battery technologies

  • Scaling up UK battery manufacturing has the potential to create skilled jobs in the clean energy sector

  • Ambitions to expand the partnership globally in other markets and attract investment into the UK.

  • Deployment of large-scale vanadium flow battery projects will enhance UK's energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Addressing Critical Energy Challenges
The collaboration comes at a crucial time for the UK energy sector. With the nation spending approximately £3 billion and rising annually to balance the grid, the need for scalable, large-scale energy storage solutions has never been more pressing.

Vanadium flow batteries offer a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion technology, addressing key concerns such as fire safety, recyclability, and long-term degradation. By providing long-duration storage capabilities, these batteries can play a pivotal role in stabilising output from the UK’s own solar and wind generation and ultimately reduce energy bills for consumers as a result.

Boosting UK Manufacturing and Innovation
This partnership underscores the UK's commitment to fostering domestic innovation and manufacturing in the clean energy sector. Invinity's strong UK presence, specifically in the Central Belt of Scotland where the Company has significant R&D and manufacturing capabilities, strengthens Invinity’s position as a global leader in flow battery technology.

Global opportunities
While initially focused on the UK market, this partnership has significant global potential. As countries worldwide seek to decarbonize their energy systems, the expertise and scale developed through this collaboration could position the UK as a major exporter of advanced energy storage solutions as well as help boost foreign direct investments into the UK. Frontier Power's active presence in other countries, especially in Asia, provides a platform for expanding this partnership and deploying UK battery technology on a global scale.


Jonathan Marren, CEO of Invinity Energy Systems plc, commented: “Frontier Power combines deep energy and project finance expertise with significant relevant experience in developing and financing interconnector projects which operate on the same cap and floor revenue model upon which the LDES cap and floor scheme is being based. We are delighted to be partnered with them using their invaluable experience in this area to address the need for long duration energy storage in the UK and further afield.

 

“Maximising the use of the UK’s own energy resources in the form of wind and solar power is essential to delivering enhanced energy security while also driving down costs for consumers. By deploying our Made in Britain batteries in partnership with Frontier Power and others across the UK energy industry, we are meeting this challenge head on.”

 

Humza Malik, CEO of Frontier Power, stated: "Our alliance with Invinity marks a pivotal step in revolutionizing the UK's approach to long-duration energy storage. Frontier Power's track record in developing critical energy infrastructure, coupled with Invinity's innovative battery technology, creates a formidable force in addressing the UK's energy transition challenges. This partnership goes beyond deploying batteries; it's about building a sustainable, secure energy future for the UK while creating economic opportunities across the country.”

Vanadium flow batteries (VFBs)

VFBs are a leading alternative to more well-known lithium-ion batteries in stationary energy storage applications and are an ideal complement for utility-scale deployment alongside intermittent renewables such as solar PV, and as a future component of a decarbonized UK electricity grid.

Larger and more durable than lithium-ion batteries, Invinity’s VFBs are well suited to heavy-duty applications such as ‘timeshifting’ renewables because daily charge and discharge cycles do not degrade a VFB’s capacity even after decades of service. They are also non-flammable and can operate effectively without the need for additional fire suppression systems. They do not contain conflict minerals (such as Cobalt) and are almost completely recyclable at end of life.

The key working element inside a VFB – vanadium – is sustainably sourced and more abundant than lithium or copper, with deposits in regions across the world.

 

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Pinaki Das: p.das@frontierpower.biz

Meurig Williams:  m.williams@frontierpower.biz