Core Viewpoint - Long-duration energy storage, particularly all-vanadium flow batteries, is becoming essential for building resilient urban energy systems amid the acceleration of energy transition and the dual carbon goals [1][2][3] Group 1: Industry Context - The global energy transition is entering a critical phase, with renewable energy sources like wind and solar being integrated at large scales, leading to increased uncertainty and volatility in grid operations [2] - China's new energy storage capacity accounts for over 40% of the global total, but a significant long-duration storage gap remains, necessitating the deployment of up to 46 terawatt-hours of storage capacity by mid-century to achieve carbon neutrality [2][3] Group 2: Technology Advantages - All-vanadium flow batteries are recognized for their advantages, including over 20,000 cycles, a lifespan exceeding 20 years, inherent safety due to water-based electrolytes, and capacity that does not degrade [3][4] - In contrast, lithium-ion batteries, while dominant in short-duration applications, face limitations in long-duration storage due to a typical cycle life of around 2,000 cycles and significant performance degradation after 2-3 years [3] Group 3: Economic and Operational Benefits - A proposed "urban user-side all-vanadium flow battery + transmission network collaborative planning" approach can significantly reduce the need for new transmission lines, with total costs decreasing by 17% even when accounting for storage investments [3][4] - This approach can mitigate the risks of power outages caused by high renewable energy integration and reduce the costs associated with curtailing wind and solar energy by nearly 40% [3][4] Group 4: Future Outlook - The application of all-vanadium flow batteries is expected to transform urban energy systems from passive to active regulation, enhancing grid adaptability and reliability [4] - The integration of AI, big data, and digital twin technologies is anticipated to facilitate the intelligent management of energy systems, thereby providing resilience support for new power systems [7]

Core Viewpoint - Long-duration energy storage is becoming a critical component in the construction of new power systems, driven by the dual carbon goals and accelerated energy transition [1][4]. Group 1: Industry Context - The integration of high proportions of renewable energy into the grid has increased the demands for safety and flexibility in power systems [1]. - China's new energy storage installed capacity accounts for over 40% of the global total, but a significant gap remains in long-duration storage to meet carbon neutrality goals by mid-century [4]. - The current power grid faces challenges due to significant peak-valley differences, leading to resource waste and inefficient investments [4]. Group 2: Technology Insights - Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are emerging as an ideal solution for urban energy storage due to their long lifespan, high safety, and capacity stability [3][4]. - VRFBs can achieve over 20,000 cycles and have a lifespan exceeding 20 years, making them suitable for long-duration energy storage [4]. - The integration of AI, big data, and digital twin technologies is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of VRFBs, transitioning them from "hardware storage" to "smart storage" [8]. Group 3: Economic Implications - A proposed collaborative planning scheme involving VRFBs and the transmission grid could reduce the need for new transmission lines, resulting in a total cost decrease of 17% even when accounting for storage investments [6]. - This approach can effectively mitigate the risks of power outages caused by high renewable energy integration and reduce the costs associated with curtailing wind and solar energy by nearly 40% [6]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The application of VRFBs is anticipated to shift urban energy systems from passive to active regulation, enhancing grid adaptability and resilience [6]. - The development of a "power bank" concept, capable of storing 5%-10% of annual electricity consumption, could significantly alleviate peak load pressures and reduce outage risks [8]. - The ongoing collaboration between companies and research institutions aims to create a more efficient, safe, and integrated charging and storage infrastructure in China [8].