Invinity to build 20MWh flow battery in UK

Known as the LODES (Longer Duration Energy Storage) Project, the system will be the largest deployed by Invinity to date. It’s expected A solar PV array operated by a third party will be co-located with the energy storage. 

LODES will use Invinity’s VS3 vanadium flow batteries (VFBs) to store solar and grid energy at times of high generation, releasing it back to the grid during peaks in user demand. Though not as energy dense as lithium-ion batteries, VFBs have minimal degradation in performance over time and are better suited to longer term storage as a result. 

The total cost for the battery system – including site acquisition - is expected to be up to £20m. Approximately £7m-£10m will be funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) through the LODES Demonstration competition. However, Invinity will fully own and operate the asset, something which the company believes will allow it to maximise income through grid balancing and energy trading activities when the project goes live in 2026.

“I am extremely pleased that we can today announce progress on the LODES project,” said Jonathan Marren, Invinity CEO.

“Moving forward with the project ourselves enables Invinity to retain the financial value generated from this DESNZ grant and leverage full control and access to the asset on an ongoing basis to enhance our commercial activities. Once operational in 2026, the asset should generate revenue and positive cash flow for the company and provide important benefits to the UK grid, allowing more low-cost, low-carbon renewable energy to be utilised, contributing to lower consumer bills as a result.”

Invinity said it has commenced manufacturing of the VS3s for this project at the company’s facility in Motherwell, Scotland, with construction of the LODES site set to get under way in the second half of 2025. The company has acquired a special purpose vehicle which owns a 25-year lease over the site, with an option to extend by 15 years. The site also has an existing approved 5.5MW grid connection. Planning permission will require a minor amendment to change from a lithium-ion to a vanadium flow battery.

“With the first application window for the transformational LDES Cap and Floor scheme opening imminently, this flagship UK project, featuring our certified ‘Made in Britain’ batteries will act as an important reference site for Invinity’s prospective customers and partners and generate significant benefits to the company both in the short and long term,” said Marren.

“We’re looking forward to delivering it as soon as possible.”