Latest Chinese Battery is 80x Cheaper Than Lithium And Lasts Almost 2 Decades

Chinese scientists have developed a new generation of low-cost energy storage technology using iron-based chemistry that could significantly reshape large-scale renewable power systems.

Researchers at the Institute of Metal Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have engineered an advanced all-iron flow battery that completed more than 6,000 charge-discharge cycles and is equivalent to over 16 years of daily grid operations.

The battery also demonstrated a leak-proof efficiency of 99.4 percent and maintained an energy efficiency of 78.5 percent even under high output conditions.

A key breakthrough lies in the restructured negative electrolyte, where scientists designed multiple iron complexes and identified a highly stable compound that reduces unwanted chemical reactions and prevents internal material crossover.

The performance tests showed the battery operating steadily at high current density without degradation, while also achieving peak power density levels suitable for a full-scale electricity grid system.

One of the most important advantages of the system is cost. Researchers note that iron is roughly 80 times cheaper than lithium, making it a far more viable option for mass deployment. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, the iron-based system also uses a water-based electrolyte which curbs fire risks associated with flammable materials.

Iron’s global abundance offers improved supply security at a time when demand for battery materials is rapidly increasing due to the expansion of renewable energy projects.

Scientists estimate that the system could operate for more than 16 years without significant performance decline. However, the technology is still in the development stage, and large-scale commercial deployment will depend on further testing.