Swiss developer FlexBase has commenced construction on a cutting-edge technology center in Laufenburg, a scenic town along the Rhine in the canton of Aargau. The transformative project repurposes the former Swissgrid facility and will house the world’s largest and most advanced redox flow battery storage system, forming the core of a comprehensive innovation hub.
Spread across more than 20,000 square meters, the new campus will feature three main pillars: a utility-scale redox flow energy storage facility, a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) data center, and a wind tunnel designed for research in the sports sector. The initiative is being developed in collaboration with leading universities and technology companies from Switzerland and Germany, aimed at establishing an unparalleled research and employment base.
At the heart of the development lies the >1.6 GWh redox flow battery storage system, operating at gigawatt-scale capacity. Engineered for grid stabilization, voltage support, and reactive power compensation, the system utilizes a non-flammable, non-explosive liquid electrolyte, setting new benchmarks for safety and reliability. FlexBase is also advancing research on cell stack efficiency and fluid chemistry in partnership with premier institutions, aiming to refine the technology by the time the Technology Center Laufenburg (TZL) is fully operational.
Complementing the storage infrastructure, the AI data center will run continuously—24/7/365—with an emphasis on sustainability and scalability. It will utilize water-cooled systems, significantly reducing noise pollution and converting waste heat into usable district heating for Laufenburg and nearby municipalities. This heating network will support the phased decommissioning or strategic conversion of fossil-fuel plants in the region.
The data center, designed in partnership with top architectural firms, will also feature 8,400 square meters of rooftop solar panels, supporting its energy needs and contributing to the site’s green footprint. The entire facility will be monitored by an in-house Network and Security Operations Center to ensure seamless, secure operations around the clock.
FlexBase’s ambitious project is poised to redefine energy storage and integrated technology development in Europe, promising hundreds of jobs and a future-forward research ecosystem. Commercial operations are expected to begin by summer 2028.
