About Sumitomo Electric

Pioneering Energy Solutions with Unmatched Expertise and Reliability

At Sumitomo Electric, our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability has established us as a leader in energy storage technology. Since our founding in 1897, we have built a legacy of over 125 years of technological advancement. We bring unparalleled expertise, reliability, and financial stability to the table, making us a trusted name in redox flow battery systems. Our long history underpins the reliability of our products and the stability of our company - essential qualities in today's competitive market. This commitment is particularly evident in our Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs), which come with performance guarantees of over 20 years. Such extensive warranties reflect not only our technical expertise but also our enduring financial stability and corporate strength, attributes we have consistently demonstrated over more than a century.

Key Points Demonstrating Our Bankability

Proven Longevity

Sumitomo Electric was founded in 1897 and has been committed to technological innovation and quality improvement for over 120 years. This long history forms the foundation of the reliability that our products possess. Particularly when providing long-term performance guarantees (20 to 25 years) for products like our Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries, the stability of our company is essential. With a solid track record and extensive experience, Sumitomo Electric delivers high-quality products to our customers. We can confidently state, "Our long history supports the reliability of our products," because it is backed by this rich experience. We are certain that our customers can use our products with peace of mind.

From Copper to Cutting-Edge: Explore Our Historical Timeline

Financial Strength

At Sumitomo Electric, our financial stability is a key pillar of our long-term success. In FY2023, we achieved net sales of ¥4.4 trillion (approximately $29 billion), a 9.9% increase from the previous fiscal year. Our operating profit grew by 27.7% to ¥226.6 billion (approximately $1.5 billion), reflecting our focus on productivity improvements and cost reductions.

With $109 million in capital stock and high credit ratings—AA- from R&I and A from S&P—we maintain a strong financial base that fuels continuous innovation and growth. These attributes enable us to uphold long-term commitments and ensure consistent, reliable performance in a competitive market.

Global Reach

With 62.2% of our sales generated overseas and operations in over 40 countries, supported by a network of 414 group companies and more than 290,000 employees worldwide, Sumitomo Electric’s reach spans the globe.

Commitment to Innovation

Our $1 billion annual investment in R&D drives continuous technological advancements, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation. Our R&D efforts span a wide range of fields, including energy, information and communication technologies, and mobility, addressing key societal challenges such as sustainability and safety. We have a forward-looking approach, backcasting from future societal needs, ensuring our technologies are not just innovative today but continue to lead tomorrow.

Strengths of Our Vanadium Redox Flow Battery

Pioneering Energy Storage

As a leader in VRFB development, our innovative solutions provide scalable, long-duration storage, essential for the renewable energy future. Since we began our research into redox flow batteries in 1982, we have continuously advanced the technology to enhance its efficiency and reliability. Our commitment to innovation in this field has led to the development of groundbreaking solutions that support the integration of renewable energy sources and improve energy storage capabilities.

Read more about 40-Year Enthusiasm for Energy Storage Batteries

Proven Success

Our systems have over 7 years of stable operation in San Diego, the longest-running VRFB installation in North America, demonstrating reliability in real-world conditions. This track record demonstrates reliability in real-world conditions, providing assurance to our customers that our technology can meet their energy storage needs effectively.

Comprehensive Solutions

We manufacture all critical components in-house, ensuring seamless integration and quality control throughout the process. This vertical integration allows us to maintain high standards and respond quickly to market demands, ensuring that our customers receive reliable and efficient energy storage solutions.

Sustainability Focus

Our emphasis on electrolyte reuse underscores our dedication to environmentally sustainable practices. By extending the lifecycle of our materials, we significantly reduce waste and support a greener future. Learn more about our successful initiatives in electrolyte reuse and how we’re contributing to cleaner energy solutions by exploring the detailed page on our achievements.

Discover Our Electrolyte Reuse Achievement

Trusted Partner

Our extensive experience with major utilities solidifies our position as a reliable provider of large-scale energy solutions. We have successfully implemented numerous projects that demonstrate our capability to deliver effective energy storage solutions, earning the trust of our partners and customers alike.

1897

Our long-standing history demonstrates stability, making us a trusted partner

1982

Sumitomo Electric has been at the forefront of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery research since 1982.

$109M

With $109 million in capital stock and high credit ratings—AA- from R&I and A from S&P—we maintain a strong financial base that fuels continuous innovation and growth.