Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. wins order for 2MW/8MWh grid-side vanadium redox flow energy storage batteries in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu

On March 28, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. of Japan announced that SHIN-IDEMITSU Corporation (hereinafter referred to as IDEX), headquartered in Hakata, Fukuoka City, has selected Sumitomo Electric's redox liquid batteries as grid-level batteries to stabilize the power system. The project has now started construction in Kumamoto.

The adoption of vanadium redox flow batteries is part of IDEX's efforts to strengthen renewable energy supply. The project is the first redox flow battery approved by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy's grid-scale energy storage battery subsidy program. The redox battery will be installed at the Nagasu energy storage site in Tamana District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu. Construction of the project has already started and is scheduled to be completed in October 2026 with a capacity of 8MWh (2MWx4 hours).

As stated in Japan's Basic Energy Plan, in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, it is essential to maximize the use of renewable energy. However, in areas such as Kyushu, high solar radiation levels have led to an increasing deployment of solar power generation. As a result, solar power supply exceeds electricity demand in surrounding areas during the day, which becomes a challenge. As a response, IDEX decided to build an energy storage facility in Kumamoto Prefecture to help stabilize the supply of renewable energy. Sumitomo Electric's redox flow battery was selected for the project because of its long service life, excellent durability, and low fire risk.

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. is committed to contributing to improving grid stability, promoting the effective use of renewable energy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of safe and durable vanadium redox flow batteries.