Revolutionising Energy Storage: The Technologies Powering a Scalable Future
What are the most promising advancements in battery technology and how do you see these addressing current challenges in energy storage and scalability?
There are two key areas. The first focuses on enhancing performance of existing lithium-ion cells. This involves developing new technologies such as better-performing anodes and electrolytes. For example, lithium and silicon anodes are being explored to replace traditional graphite anodes, offering higher capacity and improved energy density which is key to extending electric vehicle range and consumer electronics run times. Additionally, advancements in electrolyte formulations are aimed at increasing the stability and safety of lithium-ion batteries, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and extending the battery’s lifespan.
The second area of advancement is more revolution than evolution. The rise of sodium-ion batteries brings a new chemistry into the market. These batteries are gaining traction as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Sodium is more abundant and less expensive than lithium, which can help reduce the overall cost of battery production. Giga factories are now being built to produce sodium-ion batteries at scale, and these batteries are starting to be integrated into vehicles and energy storage systems. Sodium-ion cells offer good performance compared to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and are considered safer due to their lower risk of thermal runaway.
How are alternative storage solutions positioned to complement or compete with traditional lithium-ion batteries in meeting the growing demands of renewable energy and electric vehicles?
No one energy storage solution has attributes that meet all market needs, although lithium ion batteries are considered the “go to” solution for many applications. Hydrogen fuel cells face efficiency challenges. They are around 35% efficient in converting hydrogen to usable electricity, compared to up to 90% efficiency of battery electric vehicles. This lower efficiency means hydrogen fuel cells require more space and infrastructure to deploy effectively. However, they can offer significant advantages in terms of energy density for larger applications and have the potential for fast refuelling times, making them suitable when long-range and quick refuelling are essential, such as heavy-duty vehicles and shipping. The main hurdles include the need for a robust hydrogen infrastructure and the high cost, and sometimes high CO2 levels, of hydrogen production.
Flow batteries, such as vanadium redox flow batteries, store energy in liquid electrolytes contained in external tanks. These are known for their long lifecycle and scalability. The more energy required, the larger the tanks and the more space needed, which can be a limitation for certain applications. That said, flow batteries can provide an option for grid and renewable energy storage, where space and weight are less critical. They can provide a reliable solution for balancing supply and demand in renewable energy systems, ensuring a stable and continuous power supply. Flow batteries can also be used in large-scale energy storage projects, supporting integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the grid.
Both hydrogen fuel cells and flow batteries offer unique benefits that can complement the capabilities of traditional lithium-ion batteries. By diversifying the energy storage landscape, these technologies can help address the specific needs of different applications, from heavy-duty transportation to grid storage, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
