Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL) has completed the construction of its vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility in Western Australia.
The Facility, funded by a $3.69 million Australian Government Modern Manufacturing Initiative grant, aims to produce up to 33MWh of high purity electrolyte for vanadium flow batteries (VFBs) annually. This investment demonstrates the value of domestic downstream processing capability, allowing more value from Western Australia’s battery mineral endowment to be captured and retained in Australia.
“We are pleased to have been able to successfully and safely execute another segment of our ‘pit to battery’ strategy through the construction of Western Australia’s first vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility. We are grateful to the teams at Primero and USV for their contributions in delivering a facility that is first of its kind for Western Australia. Production of AVL’s first vanadium electrolyte will position the Company to become a trusted supplier for battery projects in Australia and the wider region,” AVL Chief Executive Officer Graham Arvidson said.
Primero Group, a subsidiary of NRW Holdings, completed the construction of a vanadium electrolyte facility without injury. AVL has issued a certificate of practical completion, allowing for the facility’s formal handover to the commissioning team.
The Facility utilises licensed electrolyte manufacturing technology from U.S. Vanadium LLC exclusively for Australia and New Zealand, significantly reducing development risk.
USV will assist in commissioning the Facility, which is expected to be completed in early 2024. The facility’s vanadium electrolyte will be used in VFB projects by AVL’s subsidiary, VSUN Energy Pty Ltd, allowing AVL to qualify its product with global VFB manufacturers.
USV will assist in commissioning the Facility, which is expected to be completed in early 2024. The facility’s vanadium electrolyte will be used in VFB projects by AVL’s subsidiary, VSUN Energy Pty Ltd, allowing AVL to qualify its product with global VFB manufacturers.
AVL noted that the region is anticipated to experience a significant increase in the demand for vanadium electrolytes in the coming years. According to Guidehouse Insights, “Asia Pacific leads significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.7% for revenue and 37.4% for energy capacity. By 2031, it is estimated that Asia Pacific will reach around 14.5 GWh of annual VFB energy capacity”.
The Facility’s construction and subsequent operation showcase AVL’s technological capabilities and guarantee that the Company remains involved in downstream elements of the vanadium and VFB markets.
Prior to supplies from the Company’s Australian Vanadium Project, vanadium pentoxide for electrolyte manufacturing will be sourced from USV. The Facility’s construction experience is expected to be very useful in the construction of the Australian Vanadium Project.
