Sumitomo Electric, a leading global diversified manufacturer, has announced the successful deployment of its vanadium redox flow (VRF) battery at Osaka Metropolitan University's newly constructed Innovation Academy Smart Energy Building. This significant installation, part of an industry-academia-government collaborative project, integrates the VRF battery with Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.'s (KEPCO) intelligent control system, "SenaSon™," to advance AI-driven optimization of renewable energy utilization. The initiative, launched on August 5, 2025, at the university's Nakamozu Campus, marks a crucial step towards enhancing energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts within Japan's academic and industrial sectors.

The Innovation Academy Smart Energy Building, designed to meet Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB) standards, serves as a cutting-edge research hub under a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) initiative. Sumitomo Electric's VRF battery, known for its inherent safety due to non-flammable electrolytes and flame-retardant components, offers a long operational life with minimal degradation over numerous charge-discharge cycles. Its environmental benefits include reusable electrolytes and up to 99% recyclability of system components, aligning with Green Transformation (GX) League objectives.

This integration with KEPCO's "SenaSon™" system will facilitate advanced research and demonstration activities. These include precise solar power generation forecasting, intelligent charge/discharge operations based on real-time electricity demand, and the development of sophisticated AI-driven optimization models for Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS). This collaborative framework aims to maximize the building's renewable energy self-consumption and grid stability.

The project exemplifies a pioneering model for decentralized energy systems and smart communities, showcasing how robust energy storage solutions can underpin the transition to a decarbonized society. VRF batteries are increasingly recognized for their suitability in applications requiring high safety, long duration, and frequent cycling, making them ideal for ZEB designs and grid-edge deployments. Sumitomo Electric's commitment to these technologies underscores its role in accelerating renewable energy adoption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This demonstration at Osaka Metropolitan University is expected to provide invaluable data and insights, serving as a blueprint for future next-generation energy systems across Japan and potentially globally. The successful implementation and optimization of this system will contribute significantly to the broader adoption of sustainable energy practices and advanced energy management technologies.