Fly in the ointment?4 Oct 2023 16:07
This could affect the value achievemed from the sale of Cellcube if a redesign of the MEA is required.
https://www.energystoragejournal.com/new-eu-chemicals-ban-bid-threat-to-flow-batteries/
Energy Storage Journal
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NEW EU CHEMICALS BAN BID THREAT TO FLOW BATTERIES
September 27, 2023: A proposed EU ban on a group of chemicals key to the development of certain flow batteries could deal a devasting blow to the sector, industry leaders told Energy Storage Journal yesterday.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is recommending restricting the use of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), citing concerns over the environment and public health.
Fluoropolymers are one of PFAS category present in certain flow batteries’ ionomer and ion exchange membranes — in addition to flow battery stack components and accompanying subsystems.
Flow Batteries Europe (FBE) policy officer Beata Viršumirska told ESJ a ban on fluoropolymer-containing parts could threaten the production and widespread adoption of competitive technology.
This would “hinder the seamless incorporation of renewable energy into the grid”.
In turn, this could delay the EU achieving the bloc’s climate change goals, Viršumirska said.
An FBE position paper* on the issue released this month warns an outright and immediate ban on fluoropolymers would have a significant socio-economic impact on the EU and could cause innovative technology companies to leave the European market or shift focus from some flow battery technologies.
One major repercussion would be the increased operational expenditure, as replacing PFAS-based parts with alternative solutions is expected to incur additional costs, estimated to be in the range of at least 10%.
The paper says these higher expenses could potentially trickle down to consumers, affecting energy storage system prices and overall market competitiveness.
FBE says flow battery companies, universities, and R&D centers are already exploring alternative solutions. For instance, certain organic flow batteries are entirely PFAS-free, and iron-chromium-based flow batteries are actively exploring alternatives.
However, FBE says market-ready flow batteries rely on components with fluoropolymers.
FBE is now calling on the ECHA to exempt fluoropolymers from any PFAS ban, saying they are not classified as hazardous under the EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation and play a crucial role in ensuring the stability, performance and safety of market-available flow batteries, that are among the technologies driving the EU’s ambitious climate goals.
If the ban goes ahead, FBE is calling for a 13.5-year exemption period for the flow battery sector to allow for further R&D and testing of fluoropolymer alternatives.
One energy industry commentator told ESJ the ECHA often appears to be working against the EU’s transition to climate friendly technologies.
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