Featured in The Long Game – 02-2023

Do longer durations mean less li-ion?

Long-duration energy storage (LDES) systems, generally defined as storing eight or more hours of energy, are widely expected to be necessary to reach energy transition goals. Flexible forms of fossil fuel energy, such as gas peaking plants, are currently used to manage the intermittent peaks and troughs of renewable energy generation. However, these will need to be replaced with a zero-carbon alternative. Everoze partner David Thomason investigates the alternatives to lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries that may provide long-duration services.

By

pv magazine

08 Feb 2023

A 100 MW/400 MWh compressed air storage project in China. While it can offer low-cost energy storage, compressed air is reliant on salt caverns or similar geographical features, making it a relatively rare opportunity. | Photo: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Energy storage requires the conversion of electricity to either mechanical, thermal or chemical energy. Batteries, a chemical option, are currently preferred in most applications. But various alternatives are out there, and for projects requiring a duration of eight hours or more, in particular, several could mount a challenge to li-ion’s throne.Let’s first cover mechanical storage. …

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