Innovations in long-duration energy storage (LDES) are crucial for reducing costs and enhancing grid resilience as the world transitions to renewable energy sources. Several technologies and innovations are being developed to achieve this goal:
1. Sodium-ion Batteries
Sodium-ion batteries are among the most promising for cost reductions. They offer significant potential for reducing levelized costs of storage (LCOS), potentially by around $0.31/kWh.
2. Flow Batteries
Flow batteries, particularly vanadium redox and iron-based chemistries, offer scalability and long cycle lives. They are well-suited for grid-scale applications due to their durability and ability to cycle frequently without degradation.
3. Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS)
Hybrid systems combine different types of energy storage, such as ultracapacitors and batteries, to improve efficiency and reduce costs by sharing infrastructure.
4. Thermal Energy Storage
Thermal energy storage systems convert electricity into heat and store it for later use. Advances in phase-change materials and processes enhance efficiency and scalability.
5. Metal-Air Batteries
Innovations like iron-air batteries can store energy for days, providing a cost-effective option for multiday energy storage.
6. Pumped Hydro and Compressed Air Storage
Mechanical storage technologies like pumped hydro and compressed air are seeing innovations in scale and efficiency to lower LCOS significantly.
7. Innovations in Manufacturing and Materials
Improvements in manufacturing processes (like automation), cell packaging, and material sourcing (e.g., alternative activated carbon) help reduce costs across various technologies, including supercapacitors.
These innovations aim to meet the Department of Energy’s Long Duration Storage Shot target of achieving a LCOS of $0.05/kWh or less by 2030.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-innovations-are-being-developed-to-reduce-the-cost-of-long-duration-energy-storage/
