The future of green energy has been enabled by breakthroughs in battery technology. Batteries play a critical role in storing renewable energy for future use. Although there are many emerging battery types, a few to note include solid-state, iron-air based and next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
According to the International Energy Agency, the average battery costs have fallen by 90% since 2010 due to advances in battery chemistry and manufacturing. The reduction in costs has made battery storage become more competitive and appealing for consumers.
Energy storage is the process of storing surplus energy generated at a certain time and saving it for later when demand is higher. Green energy storage refers to energy stored specifically from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydropower. This is important for creating a reliable and accessible supply of renewable energy, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. Energy storage systems support the reduction of the world’s carbon footprint and allow renewable energy to be used effectively. Storing energy for use at an optimal or high-demand time can also result in less strain on grid infrastructure during times of peak power demand.
The following battery technologies are building the future of green energy storage:
Solid-State Batteries
Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte used in a conventional lithium-ion battery with solid materials including ceramics and polymers. These materials improve the sustainability of energy storage by improving performance and reducing dependence on environmentally unfriendly materials. These batteries can help increase energy density, support faster charging and reduce fire risks, improving safety.
Iron-Air Based Batteries
These batteries are comprised of primarily iron, an inexpensive and abundant commodity. Iron-air based batteries operate through “reverse rusting”, where energy is produced when iron transforms into iron oxide. They are often utilized for grid-scale storage. Iron-air based batteries tend to have lower efficiency than other batteries, but their low material cost makes these batteries a very cost-effective option for renewable energy storage, especially for longer periods of time.
Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Batteries
These batteries have been created to address the issues that exist with current lithium-ion batteries including high expenses, fire danger, lack of recyclability and negative impact on the environment. Researchers have created next-generation lithium-ion batteries to reduce costs, enhance performance and increase overall capacity. Next-generation lithium-ion batteries will continue to be driven by technological innovations to enable higher energy densities while eliminating ineffective and unsustainable minerals like cobalt and nickel.
Battery technology breakthroughs are enabling increasingly cleaner manufacturing processes. Innovations in the manufacturing process are reducing the overall environmental impact and improving the sustainability of battery production.
Green energy storage is positioned to be a key enabler for emerging technology in many industries. Renewable energy systems rely on energy storage to bring power to customers when they need it, and essential services like banks, data centers and utilities rely on energy storage for backup power. Battery energy storage systems require protection, electrical connections and climate control/cooling technologies to support their ongoing operation. nVent provides key solutions to support green energy storage. Learn more about our solutions for battery energy storage: https://www.nvent.com/energy-storage