Tenindewa vanadium processing facility approval positions AVL for VRFB growth

Australian Vanadium

Australian Vanadium secured Tenindewa vanadium processing facility approval, advancing its integrated Western Australia battery supply chain. The Tenindewa vanadium processing facility approval links with AVL’s Gabanintha mine and Perth electrolyte plant. As a result, the Tenindewa vanadium processing facility approval strengthens local content for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs).

What the approval enables for Australian Vanadium Project

AVL will process ore from Gabanintha and ship electrolyte from Perth. Therefore, the project connects mine, concentrator, processing and electrolyte under one plan. The deposit totals 395.4mn t at 0.77pc V2O5. A high-grade zone holds 173.2mn t at 1.09pc V2O5. This hub supports grid-scale storage manufacturing in Western Australia. Meanwhile, it reduces reliance on offshore intermediates and tolling.

VRFB demand outlook and execution risks

VRFBs suit long-duration, stationary storage for grids and renewables. However, VRFB deployment still represents under 10pc of vanadium demand. Policy support and tenders could accelerate adoption across Australia. Yet pricing, financing, and procurement cycles remain hurdles. Consequently, AVL must align ramp-up with contracted projects and offtake.

AVL plans to leverage Tenindewa to deliver consistent vanadium units. In turn, OEMs can source electrolyte with predictable chemistry and ESG provenance. Therefore, project approval improves bankability for storage developers and utilities. It also positions Western Australia as a VRFB manufacturing node.

The Metalnomist Commentary

AVL’s integrated model narrows project risk by capturing value from ore to electrolyte. The approval should help secure offtake and financing tied to utility-scale storage. Watch for grid tenders and capacity auctions that could unlock multi-year VRFB demand.