Invinity Delivers Europe’s Largest Vanadium Flow Battery Project in the United Kingdom
Date: 12 May 2026 |
Source: invinity.com, 12 May 2026
20.7 MWh flagship installation highlights growing role of long-duration energy storage in Europe’s energy transition
Europe’s vanadium flow battery sector has reached a major milestone following the completion of delivery for a 20.7 MWh vanadium flow battery (VFB) system at the Copwood VFB Energy Hub in East Sussex, United Kingdom. Developed by Invinity Energy Systems plc, the project is expected to become Europe’s largest operational vanadium flow battery installation once grid connection is finalised later this year.
The system is paired with a 3 MWp solar array and is designed to provide long-duration energy storage capable of supporting approximately 3,000 homes’ daily electricity demand. The project represents a significant step forward for the deployment of utility-scale non-lithium energy storage technologies in Europe and is viewed as a flagship demonstration of how vanadium flow batteries can strengthen grid reliability while supporting higher penetration of renewable energy.
The Copwood VFB Energy Hub arrives at a time of increasing focus on energy security, renewable integration, and long-duration storage solutions across Europe. Unlike conventional short-duration battery systems, vanadium flow batteries are particularly well suited for multi-hour energy shifting, renewable firming, and grid-balancing applications due to their long operational lifetimes, deep discharge capability, and non-flammable aqueous electrolyte chemistry.
According to the company, the project is expected to connect to the UK electricity grid and commence commercial operation before the end of 2026, subject to final approval from the local Distribution Network Operator. The development is also seen as strategically important ahead of anticipated announcements relating to the UK’s Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Cap and Floor support mechanism, which could accelerate wider deployment of similar technologies nationwide.
Stuart Nivison, Head of Portfolio Management at the UK National Wealth Fund, stated that the project demonstrates how targeted public investment can help accelerate advanced clean energy manufacturing while supporting energy security and skilled industrial employment in the United Kingdom.
Jonathan Marren, Chief Executive Officer of Invinity, described the project as evidence that Britain can build the infrastructure required for a renewable-dominated power system. He emphasised the importance of long-duration storage in reducing renewable curtailment and transforming intermittent wind and solar generation into reliable, dispatchable power.
The project also highlights the increasing industrialisation of vanadium flow battery manufacturing in Europe. Invinity confirmed that the battery systems were manufactured in Scotland, reinforcing the role of domestic clean technology manufacturing within the broader energy transition.
Vanadium flow batteries continue to gain momentum globally as utilities and grid operators seek storage technologies capable of delivering long-duration performance, high cycle life, enhanced operational safety, and low degradation over multi-decade operating periods. Invinity notes that its VFB systems are designed for operational lifetimes exceeding 30 years and provide a non-flammable alternative to lithium-ion technologies for large-scale infrastructure applications.
The Copwood project is expected to serve as a reference installation for future long-duration energy storage developments across Europe, particularly as policymakers intensify efforts to integrate greater volumes of renewable generation while maintaining grid stability and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.