Photo‑redox flow batteries as a promising pathway to sustainable energy storage: Case studies of Morocco and Poland

Purpose. The paper examines how photo-redox flow batteries can support a sustainable energy transition in Morocco and Poland by simultaneously harvesting and storing solar energy, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the intermittency of renewables. Methodology. The study combines a review of national energy policies and renewable energy targets with a comparative techno-economic assessment of photo-redox flow battery deployment scenarios in both countries, focusing on system performance, grid integration, and long-term sustainability indicators. Results. The findings show that photo-redox flow batteries can significantly increase the share of solar energy in national power mixes, improve grid stability, and lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional storage and fossil-based generation, with particularly strong gains under high-renewables scenarios for Morocco and coal-replacement pathways for Poland. Theoretical contribution. The paper extends the emerging literature on next-generation energy storage by conceptualizing photo-redox flow batteries as a dual harvest–store technology and by linking their deployment to macro-level energy security, decarbonization, and resilience outcomes in middle-income and coal-dependent economies. Practical implications. The results provide policymakers and energy planners with evidence-based guidance on integrating photo-redox flow batteries into national energy strategies, including indicative design parameters, investment priorities, and regulatory measures to accelerate clean energy deployment while managing economic and geopolitical risks. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 13: Climate Action