A new study from Flow Batteries Europe (FBE), conducted with industry partners, offers a compelling solution to one of the energy transition’s most pressing challenges: how to manage surplus renewable energy without relying solely on fossil fuels.
The report advocates for hybrid systems that combine existing gas-fired power plants with newly installed flow batteries – delivering security of supply, lower emissions and reduced costs.
The study demonstrates that flow batteries, with storage durations from hours to several days, are ideally suited to absorb excess wind and solar power and release it back into the grid when needed. Gas plants would only be used during extended shortages or ‘dunkelflaute’ – periods of low wind and solar output. This hybrid approach avoids costly start-stop cycles and makes better use of existing infrastructure, while batteries generate additional revenue through arbitrage and grid services.
“Every new pure gas-fired power plant carries the risk of becoming a stranded fossil fuel asset. Hybrid systems combining gas and flow batteries are the realistic, economical and climate-friendly answer to the challenges of an electricity system with a growing share of renewable energies,” the report states.
The study also highlights the industrial potential of flow batteries, which can be manufactured from abundant, non-toxic materials. This supports the development of a European value chain aligned with the EU Clean Industrial Act – making the technology a driver of regional growth, job creation and technological sovereignty.
Read the full study, The Synergies of Flow Battery–Gas Plant Hybrids for Increased 2-way Flexibility, here.
