Flow batteries hold potential for LDES but industry shows mixed fortunes so far

energy-storage.news Apr 23, 2026

Flow batteries hold potential for LDES but industry shows mixed fortunes so far

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Apr 23, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Flow batteries have potential for long-duration energy storage (LDES) due to their safety, virtually unlimited cycles, and cost-effectiveness for 8+ hour durations. Despite advantages, flow batteries have struggled to gain market acceptance over lithium-ion batteries, which remain the preferred choice for durations up to 4-8 hours. Flow batteries can complement other LDES systems, such as pumped hydro energy storage, and offer a quicker deployment option in regions where PHES is not suitable.

💡 Why It Matters

· The flow battery industry's mixed fortunes highlight the need for a cost-effective solution that can bridge the gap between lithium-ion and long-duration energy storage.
· As the LDES market grows to 85-140TWh by 2040, flow batteries may offer a viable alternative for 8+ hour durations, potentially disrupting the status quo and driving innovation in the sector.

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