# Renewable energy storage revolution: 3D-printed flow battery Iron-based cheap battery design could accelerate clean energy revolution. - **Source:** [BBC News](https://brifing.si/source/647b890e-c85e-45b8-9588-ccfecdec4a99) - **Published:** 2026-07-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/aafc3363-b741-4673-8402-e5ae978b9cb8 ## Alternative to expensive vanadium Researchers at Queen's University developed a 3D-printed iron-based battery to replace expensive vanadium used in traditional flow batteries. This innovation could significantly reduce clean energy storage costs by decreasing reliance on vanadium, which is only produced in a few locations worldwide. ## From PhD project to global solution When Dr. Hugh O'Connor couldn't afford a £3,000 commercial flow battery for his PhD research, he began developing his own design. After numerous trials, he created a £74 battery design that became an international standard, revolutionizing renewable energy storage research. ## Open-source science model Despite commercialization opportunities, researchers chose to share the design freely with scientists worldwide. Accompanied by IKEA-style assembly instructions, this design established consistency across laboratories, creating new standards in renewable energy research. ## Solution for windless and cloudy days Flow batteries store renewable energy when wind isn't blowing or sun isn't shining, enhancing grid stability. This technology could prevent turbine shutdowns during low-demand periods, significantly reducing energy waste in renewable systems. ## Global collaboration in testing The QUB team collaborates with universities worldwide to test industrial-scale applications of 3D-printed cells. Transitioning from single cells to stacked modules demonstrates the technology's viability for commercial energy storage solutions. ## Contribution to 2050 net zero goals Affordable flow battery technology could play a crucial role in achieving 2050 net zero targets by increasing renewable energy storage capacity. This breakthrough highlights the power of global scientific collaboration in accelerating the clean energy transition. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3dyd4l8250o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._