Dalian Rongke Power (RKP) and Heilongjiang Jianlong Iron and Steel Co have officially inked a deal to construct a vanadium flow battery electrolyte plant in Shuangyashan, located in China’s Heilongjiang Province.
As per the agreement, the primary objective of the collaboration is to establish vanadium electrolyte production by leveraging the strengths of both companies. RKP, a leader in the vanadium flow battery and vanadium electrolyte sectors, brings technological and market advantages to the table.
Heilongjiang Jianlong Iron and Steel Co, a major steel manufacturer and one of China’s top three vanadium suppliers, joins hands with RKP to form a joint venture for the plant’s construction. The construction of the plant is scheduled to commence this year, with an initial focus on electrolyte production. However, future plans may also encompass the development and manufacturing of flow battery systems, depending on demand.
The ownership structure of the joint venture remains undisclosed, but RKP reportedly holds the majority stake in the partnership. The companies have secured a framework agreement with the local government and collectively invested ¥3.5 billion ($483 million) in the project, positioning it as a significant demonstration endeavor, according to RKP.
A spokesperson for the company highlighted the collaboration’s objective of establishing a complete industrial chain from raw materials to material processing. This partnership aims to drive innovation and the application of vanadium flow energy storage technology, ultimately achieving mutual benefits for both parties.
RKP has outlined its long-term strategy to develop a key industrial base in northern China, dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions. The company has previously supplied battery equipment for the Dalian Energy Storage Station, the world’s largest flow battery project, which is currently operational and progressing into Phase II. Each phase of the project boasts a capacity of 100MW/400MWh.
