Australian Vanadium Limited, or AVL, has announced project Lumina, led by its wholly owned subsidiary VSUN Energy.
The project aims to develop a modular, turnkey and scalable utility-scale battery energy storage system using vanadium flow batteries, also known as VFB technology, tailored for Australia’s energy markets.
This development aligns with AVL’s ‘pit-to-battery’ strategy, creating a direct offtake for vanadium produced from its Australian Vanadium project in Western Australia.
The initial phase of Project Lumina demonstrated the feasibility and competitiveness of a 100 megawatt (MW) VFB battery energy storage system, or BESS, which boasts a levelised cost of storage of $274/MW per hour for four hours.
This puts VFB technology as a viable alternative to lithium-ion systems for use in Australian markets.
“We are pleased to be able to share the significant steps that we have taken to develop the downstream value of our business,” AVL chief executive officer Graham Arvidson said.
“The need for long-duration energy storage in Australia is rapidly growing and the work the team is undertaking with project Lumina is a key enabler to create a platform for us to deliver competitive long-duration battery energy storage solutions.”
Project Lumina’s second phase will involve designing a detailed, construction-ready VFB BESS solution.
Beyond showcasing technological potential, Project Lumina strengthens AVL’s position in energy storage and mining integration.
“The scale of the projects VSUN Energy is pursuing aims to provide AVL with the ability to utilise our own manufactured vanadium electrolyte, ultimately unlocking the development pathway and full value of the Australian Vanadium Project,” Arvidson said.
The company is also evaluating funding strategies at both corporate and asset levels, considering equity support from strategic partners, including Australian government agencies.