Sumitomo Electric Industries has signed an agreement to supply a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) to Boggabri Coal Mine via Idemitsu Australia, the Australian subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan.
This follows the installation of a solar power generation facility at the operational mine, part of Idemitsu Australia’s commitment to Green Transformation.
To further boost renewable energy integration, the mine will deploy a 2MW x 6.3 hours (12.6MWh) VRFB system. The project aims to optimise power supply and support decarbonisation by storing electricity from both the grid and solar array during daylight hours, then discharging it overnight.
Safety is paramount at coal mine sites. VRFBs, which contain no flammable materials and pose no risk of thermal runaway, offer a significant safety advantage over other battery technologies – one of the key reasons for selecting Sumitomo Electric’s system.
The electrolyte for this deployment will be provided by Vecco Group, headquartered in Queensland and 51% owned by an affiliate of Idemitsu Australia. Vecco is advancing vanadium mining and manufactures electrolyte at its Townsville facility.
‘Green Transformation’ remains a critical challenge for Australia’s mining sector in the journey to net zero by 2050. Through this initiative, Sumitomo Electric will deepen its expertise in sustainable mining and aims to replicate the model at other sites, while supporting the development of a local supply chain.
The Vanadium Redox Flow Battery system features high safety, long operational life, and environmental benefits, including reusable electrolyte and up to 99% recyclability of system components.
