VSUN Energy partners with Sumitomo Electric for VBESS bid
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 24, 2026
Kalgoorlie Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System (VBESS)
Project
VSUN Energy has secured a pre‑bid agreement with Sumitomo Electric as it advances its proposal for Western Australia’s flagship Kalgoorlie vanadium flow battery project. The agreement confirms Sumitomo Electric as the exclusive vanadium flow battery (VFB) technology provider throughout the Expression of Interest (EOI) and bidding stages.
Deal Analysis
VSUN Energy's partnership with Sumitomo Electric for the Kalgoorlie vanadium flow battery (VFB) project in Western Australia represents a significant step towards advancing large-scale energy storage solutions in the region. The pre-bid agreement secures Sumitomo Electric as the exclusive VFB technology provider, positioning VSUN Energy favorably in the upcoming bidding process. This collaboration leverages Sumitomo Electric's expertise in VFB technology and VSUN Energy's focus on solar energy solutions, potentially creating a competitive and integrated energy storage offering. The project aims to deliver a substantial 500 MWh of storage capacity, indicating a significant investment in grid-scale energy storage.
This partnership is notable due to the involvement of established players like Sumitomo Electric, a global company with diverse expertise, and the scale of the proposed energy storage capacity. The Kalgoorlie project, if successful, could serve as a flagship example of VFB technology deployment in Australia, potentially influencing future energy storage projects. The deal underscores the growing importance of energy storage in supporting renewable energy integration and grid stability. Securing Sumitomo Electric's technology early in the bidding process provides VSUN Energy with a strategic advantage and demonstrates confidence in their proposed solution.
- VSUN Energy partners with Sumitomo Electric for a 500 MWh vanadium flow battery project in Western Australia.
- Sumitomo Electric is the exclusive VFB technology provider for the project's bidding phase.
- The project aims to provide significant grid-scale energy storage capacity.
- The partnership combines VSUN Energy's solar energy focus with Sumitomo Electric's VFB technology expertise.
Market Context: The energy storage sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the need for grid stabilization. Vanadium flow batteries are emerging as a promising technology for large-scale, long-duration energy storage applications, particularly in regions with abundant vanadium resources like Australia.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The project is a State-backed project. "The State‑backed project aims to deliver a 50MW, 10‑hour (500MWh) VFB installation manufactured in Western Australia, supported by up to $150 million (USD 106 million) in government funding for long‑duration storage and local industry development."
“
Deal Size
supported by up to $150 million (USD 106 million) in government funding for long‑duration storage and local industry development.
“
Capacity
The State‑backed project aims to deliver a 50MW, 10‑hour (500MWh) VFB installation
“
Location
as it advances its proposal for Western Australia’s flagship Kalgoorlie vanadium flow battery project.
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
V
VSUN Energy
developer
"VSUN Energy has secured a pre‑bid agreement with Sumitomo Electric as it advances its proposal for Western Australia’s flagship Kalgoorlie vanadium flow battery project."
S
Sumitomo Electric
technology provider
"VSUN Energy has secured a pre‑bid agreement with Sumitomo Electric as it advances its proposal for Western Australia’s flagship Kalgoorlie vanadium flow battery project."
A
Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL)
developer
"VSUN Energy, the energy storage arm of Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL), has formalised a pre‑bid partnership with Sumitomo Electric to support its submission for the Western Australian Government’s Kalgoorlie Vanadium Battery Energy Storage System (VBESS)."
high quality
Enriched Feb 27, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Storage sector in Australia.
1 of 112 Storage deals tracked this month · Updated daily