EduAsiaNews, Singapore — Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), through its Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), has partnered with Singapore-based energy storage company VFT to launch a S$15 million joint research laboratory aimed at developing safer, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective batteries. The technology is designed to store electricity generated from renewable sources and support the power grids of the future.
The NTU-VFT Joint Lab will focus on developing vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) technology, which uses non-flammable, water-based liquids to store energy. This technology significantly reduces the risk of battery fires compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries.
The technology is well suited for large-scale energy storage, which is becoming increasingly important as the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power grows. Because their output depends on natural conditions, these sources require reliable storage solutions. Batteries can store electricity when renewable energy production is abundant and release it when needed, helping maintain a reliable power supply.
The NTU-VFT Joint Lab was launched at the Asia Clean Energy Summit, part of Singapore International Energy Week 2026.
Executive Director of ERI@N, Prof. Madhavi Srinivasan, said safe and efficient energy storage would become increasingly important in maintaining power system stability and reliability amid the accelerating global energy transition.
“By combining NTU’s deep expertise in materials science, artificial intelligence (AI), energy technologies, and sustainability with VFT’s industry experience, we aim to develop safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable batteries to support the energy grids of the future,” she said.
She added that VFT’s journey demonstrated how NTU research could be translated into real-world applications. Initially established as an NTU spin-off developing first-generation energy storage systems, VFT has since grown into a company developing commercial energy storage solutions.
“We are pleased to work with VFT again to develop next-generation energy storage solutions and drive further innovation,” Madhavi said.
Meanwhile, VFT CEO Dr. Vidal Bharath said the challenge was no longer limited to increasing renewable energy production. Power systems also needed safe, reliable, and affordable ways to store electricity for use when renewable energy generation declined or demand increased.
“By combining NTU’s research capabilities with VFT’s experience in developing and deploying flow battery technology, we aim to overcome the technical and cost barriers that hinder the wider adoption of new energy storage technologies while accelerating their commercial deployment,” he said.
Advancing Long-Duration Energy Storage Technology
Founded in 2018, VFT is an NTU spin-off built on technology developed by ERI@N. In 2025, the company secured US$20.5 million in funding to expand its manufacturing capacity and deploy its flow battery systems.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which store energy within battery cells, VRFBs store energy in liquid electrolytes held in external tanks. Their storage capacity can be increased by enlarging the tanks, making the technology suitable for storing and supplying electricity over extended periods.
Researchers at the NTU-VFT Joint Lab will develop more powerful and efficient flow batteries, including improvements to battery stack design and cooling systems to manage heat and enhance performance.
They will also explore methods to recover and recycle vanadium from industrial waste and alternative sources. These efforts could reduce costs while improving the technology’s sustainability.
Other research areas include improving power conversion and control systems to increase energy efficiency, as well as using AI to monitor battery performance, detect faults, and predict maintenance needs.
The four-year, S$15 million collaboration is supported under Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 framework. The partnership aims to generate new intellectual property, prototypes, and technologies that can undergo progressive validation before being integrated into commercial energy storage systems in the future.
Beyond technology development, the joint laboratory is expected to strengthen Singapore’s talent base and research and development (R&D) capabilities in long-duration energy storage. The initiative also supports the country’s transition toward a cleaner and more resilient electricity system.
