Flow batteries have long been considered the next disruptive energy storage technology that will surpass the capabilities of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries and enable a new wave of the industry’s growth. Over the past 5 years, flow batteries have failed to fulfill this potential. Dramatic price decreases for Li-ion batteries quickly undercut the planned development and pricing for many flow battery vendors. These developments led to several bankruptcies and slower than expected demand.

The global flow battery industry remains in early stages, despite the recent uptick in new project development. Many vendors offer similar technologies and products into similar markets with similar strategies. However, based on their existing installed base of projects and pipelines, several vendors are emerging as Leaders and top Contenders. These companies have superior in-house resources or established key partnerships with companies that can drive growth in terms of financial support, technical development, project origination, and access to new markets.

This Navigant Research Leaderboard evaluates the Strategy and Execution of 12 leading flow battery energy storage providers. Using the Navigant Research, a Guidehouse company, proprietary Leaderboard methodology, vendors are profiled, rated, and ranked to provide industry participants with an objective assessment of these companies’ relative strengths and weaknesses in the global market for flow batteries for grid energy storage. These companies are rated on 12 criteria: vision; go-to-market strategy; partners; production strategy; technology; geographic reach; sales, marketing, and distribution; product performance; product quality and reliability; product portfolio; pricing; and staying power.

Top 10 Vendors

1. CellCube

2. Sumitomo Electric

3. Lockheed Martin

4. redT

5. SCHMID Group

6. UniEnergy

7. ESS Inc.

8. Vionx Energy

9. Avalon Battery

10. Primus Power