Long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies are crucial for supporting renewable energy systems by providing stability and reliability. Several LDES technologies have significant potential for cost reductions, including:
1. Lead-Acid Batteries (PbA)
- Innovations for Cost Reduction:
- Redesign of standard current collectors.
- Advanced manufacturing of PbA batteries.
- Demonstration projects.
- Novel active materials.
- Scaling and managing energy storage systems.
- Cost Projection: The baseline levelized cost of storage (LCOS) for a 100 MW PbA system with 10 hours of storage in 2030 is projected to be $0.380/kWh.
2. Sodium-Ion Batteries (NaIB)
- Innovations for Cost Reduction:
- Cathode-electrolyte interface improvements.
- In-operations materials science research.
- Electrolyte development.
- Volume/mass production for grid-scale deployment.
- Anodeless battery development.
- These innovations offer promising pathways for cost reduction and performance improvement.
3. Supercapacitors (EDLC)
- Innovations for Cost Reduction:
- Cell packaging.
- Hybrid components.
- Automated manufacturing.
- Advanced material manufacturing.
- Alternative sources of activated carbon.
- Module development and controlled overseas manufacturing.
- The cost-effectiveness of supercapacitors depends on their usage patterns, with frequent charging and discharging offering lower theoretical LCOS.
4. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) and Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)
- Mechanical Energy Storage Advantages: CAES and PHS can be cost-effective for long-duration energy storage, with scalability and low energy-related costs.
- However, they may require specific geographical conditions (e.g., suitable underground caverns for CAES).
5. Thermal Energy Storage (TES)
- TES technologies also offer potential cost savings, especially noted in countries like China where thermal storage costs are relatively lower compared to other forms of LDES.
Market Potential and Challenges
- Investment and Scalability: LDES technologies need significant investment to reach scale. The market could require between $1.5 trillion to $3 trillion in investments by 2040 to achieve cost-optimal deployments.
- Policy Support: Favorable policies are essential for achieving the necessary cost reductions and scalability.
- Competitive Landscape: While some LDES technologies are competitive with lithium-ion in specific contexts, matching Li-ion cost reductions over time may be challenging due to Li-ion’s established economies of scale.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/which-ldes-technologies-have-the-greatest-potential-for-cost-reductions/
