Date: May 3, 2018
While the Li-ion energy storage market has seen unprecedented growth, to the point of element shortages, Vanadium may be the better technology for several grid-connected applications.
It now appears that the vanadium has a shot a taking the lead in energy storage for grid-connected applications, large-scale energy storage operations, and any operation whose chief concerns are sustainability and safety.
Vanadium, an element previously used to create strong steel alloys, is now being recognized as a key component in safer, longer lasting batteries. Currently, there are no significantly active vanadium mines in North America and even with the surge in demand, most supply still comes from China, Russia, or Africa.
As the world begins to rely more and more on renewable sources of electricity, long-term grid storage is proving to be a minor obstacle to the success of this transition. Vanadium batteries could be a realistic solution. In turn, vanadium resource companies are already benefiting from the new focus on vanadium supplies and technology including Stina Resources Ltd, Largo Resources Ltd. (OTC: LGORF), Sparton Resources Inc, (TSXV: SRI), and Glencore PLC (OTC: GLNCY).
One source for a total vanadium solution may come from newcomer Stina Resources Ltd.(OTC: STNUF) (CSE: SQA). Until just the last year, this emerging company was primarily concerned with providing the Vanadium and electrolytes for these Vanadium Redox Batteries (VRBs). Now, with two major acquisitions in hand, they are offering a complete VRB solution for grid-connected energy storage.
WHY VANADIUM MAY BE BETTER FOR STORAGE
Today, vanadium batteries that have been in use for a decade are expected to last 10 to 20 more years. Likewise, new vanadium battery formulations are expected to see 20 to 30 years virtually maintenance free and last much longer than that (as many as 10 additional years) with few anticipated problems.
