New organic flow battery tech ditches scarce, corrosive materials for safer grid storage

XL Batteries and ENEOS Holdings have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance an organic flow battery technology aimed at large-scale, long-duration energy storage. The collaboration will begin with a joint feasibility study and could lead to future commercial deployments of the battery technology. The companies are targeting applications where power grids need to store electricity for extended periods and cycle storage systems frequently. The need for such systems is growing as electrification, industrial electricity demand, and data centers put additional pressure on power networks. Long-duration storage can help balance supply and demand while providing electricity when generation from sources such as solar and wind is unavailable. XL Batteries’ technology is based on a flow battery architecture but uses proprietary organic electrolytes. The company says these materials are abundant and non-toxic, potentially avoiding some of the cost, safety, and supply challenges associated with conventional battery chemistries. Organic chemistry targets scale Unlike batteries that store energy in solid electrodes, flow batteries keep their energy-storing electrolytes in external tanks. The electrolytes are pumped through an electrochemical cell to generate electricity, allowing the amount of stored energy to be increased by using larger tanks. XL Batteries is developing its system for grid-scale applications where long operating durations and repeated cycling are important. The company says its organic chemistry is designed to replace scarce and corrosive materials used in some flow battery systems. The technology is also being developed with manufacturability in mind. XL Batteries says its approach combines established flow battery architecture with its proprietary electrolyte chemistry to create a system designed for utility-scale storage, microgrids, data centers and industrial users. “XL Batteries’ technology is purpose-built to meet the growing need for long-duration energy storage, and this collaboration with ENEOS HD will help accelerate our ability to scale,” said Tom Sisto, CEO and co-founder of XL Batteries. “We are excited to partner with ENEOS HD, which has a forward-thinking and comprehensive approach to the future of energy.” ENEOS Holdings is the parent company behind one of Japan’s largest energy firms. Under the MOU, it intends to examine the commercial potential of XL Batteries’ technology and assess opportunities for larger deployments. Flow batteries support longer storage The feasibility study will provide an initial assessment of how the technology could move toward commercial applications. The companies have not announced a specific project, deployment capacity or commercial timeline. For grid operators, one potential advantage of flow batteries is that power output and storage duration can be scaled somewhat independently. Increasing the size of the electrochemical equipment can raise power capacity, while larger electrolyte tanks can extend the amount of energy stored. That flexibility makes flow batteries particularly relevant to long-duration storage, where systems may need to deliver electricity for several hours rather than simply provide short bursts of backup power. XL Batteries was founded in 2019 by scientists who discovered the chemistry behind its patented battery system. The company is now working to move the technology from development toward commercial deployment. The partnership with ENEOS HD could provide a route for evaluating the technology in larger energy projects as electricity networks face growing demand for flexible storage. The two companies will first focus on the joint feasibility study before exploring potential large-scale commercial opportunities. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.