Going with the flow: Renewable energy battery breakthrough
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a low-cost, 3D-printed iron-based flow battery. This innovation aims to make renewable energy storage more accessible and scalable for global research.
Why it matters
Advancements in battery storage are critical for the transition to renewable energy and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Image caption, Dr Hugh O'Connor developed the 3D-printed cell when he discovered a commercial flow battery for his research would cost up to £3,000
Agriculture and environment correspondent, BBC News NI Published 1 hour ago A 3D-printed battery developed at Queen's University Belfast could "make a genuine impact" on the road to net zero, say the researchers behind it.
Flow batteries are seen as key to scaling up renewable energy, allowing it to be stored for when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining.
But they are expensive and typically use a metallic element - vanadium - that is only produced in a few places round the world.
Now, scientists at QUB have developed one based on iron, which is much easier to source, and have sent it around the world to help standardise research.
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