Alternative batteries and storage systems

Nowadays, you may take batteries for granted, perhaps not
thinking twice about just how useful they are, as they’ve always
been a part of your life. The evolution of batteries has been
monumental. So much so that this year’s Nobel Prize for Chemistry^[1] was jointly awarded to
three scientists who invented our modern-day lithium-ion
batteries. 

However, as time passes, most inventions need to keep up and be
updated. The search for the batteries of the future^[2]
has started.

RELATED: UK’S LEADING PRODUCER OF
LITHIUM-ION BATTERY TECHNOLOGY OPENS A MASSIVE
FACILITY^[3]

Alternative batteries and storage systems

When the words “renewable energy” are uttered, your mind may
automatically jump to solar panels, electric cars^[4], and wind turbines.
However, the actual batteries that run and store energy for these
electric cars; for example, most likely do not come to
mind. 

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology^[5] (KIT) in Germany is
already working hard on discovering new methods for storing energy
for future use. Storage plays a massive role in the world of
sustainable batteries and their production. 

The research on suitable battery materials is essential for
the development of sustainable energy storage. Source:
Laila Tkotz/KIT^[6]

At the moment, sustainable batteries come in the form of
lithium-ion batteries, which power many devices, from our mobile
phones and laptops to e-bikes. And in order for these types of
batteries to function, lithium^[7]
and cobalt are needed. 

However, the day has now come when scientists are questioning
the fair production of lithium-ion batteries^[8]. Furthermore, their
disposal is an issue for many, with higher risks and problems
associated with the current methods used.

On a day when the @NobelPrize was
awarded to the inventors of the lithium-ion battery, are the
recyclers of these cells the prize winners of the future? Looking
forward to meeting Kunal Phalper from @li_cycle https://t.co/RNMpoK1I4U^[9][10][11]

Ultimately, the questions of how efficient these batteries are,
and what new storage methods are being built around them are being
posed. Questions that the KIT^[13] lecturers and
researchers are attempting to answer. 

There have already been attempts at creating alternative battery
options — for instance, saltwater batteries, hydrogen fuel cells,
and post-lithium technologies. But, there’s been little focus on
how these future batteries would be efficiently stored^[14]. 

Thanks @VernBuchanan for
taking time to visit the future site of the highest-powered battery
#energystorage in
the world — and for your support of #storageITC to
accelerate this and other deployments on the grid! https://t.co/HxtTReXfo8^{[15][16][17][18]}

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) met in July this
year, with its director, Martin Keller, stating: “We need
cheap, scalable energy storage technologies.”^[20]

Keller continued, “The biggest driver toward a high
penetration of renewable energy will be storage.”

The search for the best storage methods continues, but
it’s a step in the right direction for renewable energy of the
future.