Iron Flow Battery Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Battery Type (Hybrid Flow Battery and Redox Flow Battery), Type (Below 100 MW, 100 MW to 500 MW and Above 500 MW), Material, Electrolyte, Deployment, Application and by Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Iron Flow Battery Market is accounted for $5.62 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $23.92 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 27.3% during the forecast period. An increasingly viable substitute for conventional lithium-ion batteries in the energy storage market are iron-flow batteries, also known as iron-redox flow batteries. Moreover, through a redox reaction that involves the reduction and oxidation of iron compounds, this technology uses liquid electrolytes to facilitate the charging and discharging of electrons. Because common, non-toxic materials like salt and iron are used in their construction, these batteries have a higher safety profile (no thermal runaway dangers), which is in line with environmental sustainability objectives.
According to the International Flow Battery Forum, as reported by Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), flow batteries could be storing about 61 MWh of electricity each year and generating annual sales for producers of more than $22 billion by 2030.
Market Dynamics:Driver:Increasing need for power sources
The world's energy landscape is changing dramatically as nations work to meet their energy needs in a sustainable manner. The need for dependable energy storage solutions has increased due to the frequency of power outages becoming more frequent and the requirement for grid stability. Iron-flow batteries have the capacity to store excess energy produced on days with high production, like sunny or windy ones, and release it on days with low generation or high demand. Additionally, iron-flow batteries are a vital part of present energy infrastructure because of their capacity to improve energy reliability and facilitate the grid's integration of variable renewable energy sources.
Restraint:Excessive initial capital expenses
The high initial capital investment needed for deployment is one of the biggest obstacles to the widespread adoption of iron-flow batteries. These systems can be developed, manufactured, and installed at significant financial expense. Component, material, and infrastructure setup costs are included in this. Furthermore, these up-front expenses may be too much for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), which restrict their capacity to invest in iron flow battery technology even with its long-term advantages.
Opportunity:Growing renewable energy source integration
There is a growing need for efficient energy storage solutions due to the world's transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Because iron-flow batteries can store a lot of energy for a long time, they are perfect for balancing supply and demand in renewable energy systems, which makes them especially well-suited for this role. Moreover, iron-flow batteries will become more and more necessary as governments and organizations invest in renewable infrastructure, making them a vital part of accomplishing energy transition objectives.
Threat:Fierce rivalry from well-established technologies
Lithium-ion batteries and vanadium redox flow batteries, two well-established energy storage technologies, are the main competitors for the iron flow battery market. Due to their high energy density, extensive usage in consumer electronics, and well-established supply chains, lithium-ion batteries have dominated the market. Furthermore, they gain from economies of scale that enable reduced expenses and enhanced functionality. Iron-flow batteries face a great deal of competition in this market, and in order to increase their market share, they must show that they are superior in particular applications.
Covid-19 ImpactThe market for iron flow batteries has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has also caused major disruptions in project installations and supply chains. There was a decrease in the installation of flow batteries for a variety of applications in 2020 as a result of numerous projects experiencing delays or cancellations because of limitations on construction activities and the closure of manufacturing facilities. Moreover, the pandemic also resulted in shortages of vital parts needed for battery manufacturing, which made the market's difficulties even worse.
The Below 100 MW segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The largest share is held by the below 100 MW segment, due to the growing need for energy storage solutions in small-scale industrial, commercial, and residential settings is the main driver of this market. Because of their long life cycle of about 20 years without degradation and safety features like not being toxic or flammable, iron flow batteries are especially well-suited for these applications. Additionally, the market for iron-flow batteries is further supported by the growing trend of smaller-scale integration of renewable energy sources, such as microgrids and solar installations.
The Commercial & Industrial segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
In the iron-flow battery market, the commercial and industrial segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR. The need for dependable and effective energy storage solutions in commercial and industrial settings, where power demands can be high and fluctuating, is what is fueling this growth. For these kinds of applications, iron-flow batteries are especially useful because of their extended lifespan, built-in safety features, and capacity for scalable energy storage. Furthermore, the demand for iron-flow batteries in the commercial and industrial sectors is expected to rise significantly as businesses look to optimize energy usage, reduce operating costs, and integrate renewable energy sources into their operations.
Region with largest share:The market for iron-flow batteries is dominated by the Asia-Pacific region. Numerous factors contribute to this dominance, including the large number of operational flow battery installations in a variety of applications, including commercial, industrial, residential, and utility sectors. Leading nations include China and Australia, with China having the largest installed flow battery capacity overall. The increasing need for energy storage solutions to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources and improve grid stability is driving the growth of the region. Moreover, the market in this region is anticipated to grow during the forecast period due to factors such as rising investments in energy storage projects and a growing focus on sustainable energy practices in major economies like India and Japan.
Region with highest CAGR:Due to its strong manufacturing sector and rising investments in renewable energy projects, the North American region is expected to have the highest CAGR in the iron-flow battery market. The need for efficient energy storage solutions is fueled by the existence of important industries such as chemicals, oil and gas production, and power generation. The preference for non-flammable and non-toxic iron flow batteries is further bolstered by North America's emphasis on safety and dependability in energy systems. Additionally, iron-flow battery adoption is anticipated to increase as the region continues to prioritize grid stability and the integration of renewable energy sources, establishing North America as a key player in the global market landscape.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Iron Flow Battery market include Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., UniEnergy Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation , CellCube Energy Storage Systems Inc, Primus Power, Bushveld Energy, ViZn Energy Systems, Australian Vanadium Limited, Redflow Limited, ESS, Inc., Grupo Saesa, Invinity Energy Systems, VRB Energy and Largo Clean Energy.
Key Developments:In August 2024, Lockheed Martin announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Terran Orbital, a global leader of satellite-based solutions primarily supporting the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital brings a high throughput, robotic manufacturing capacity and high-performing modular space vehicle designs.
In May 2024, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. announces that it has received the contract for the 250-kV DC XLPE cable construction, a pivotal part of the Hokuto-Imabetsu HVDC (high-voltage direct current) Link Enhancement Project being implemented by Hokkaido Electric Power Network, Inc.
Battery Types Covered:
• Hybrid Flow Battery
• Redox Flow Battery
Types Covered:
• Below 100 MW
• 100 MW to 500 MW
• Above 500 MW
Materials Covered:
• Vanadium
• Zinc-Bromine
• Other Materials
Electrolytes Covered:
• Aqueous
• Non-Aqueous
Deployments Covered:
• On-Grid
• Off-Grid
Applications Covered:
• Commercial & Industrial
• EV Charging Stations
• Microgrids
• Renewable Energy Storage
• Residential
• Utility Facilities
• Other Applications
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements