Breakthrough new battery research could help boost the renewable energy transition

Researchers at Stanford University in the United States have found a new way of developing batteries that could be key to the global energy transition.

Their method involves using a substance called cobaltocene as a catalyst within the batteries, which in turn allows for electricity to be stored in liquid hydrogen and released when needed. These new types of batteries are known as liquid organic hydrogen carriers, or liquid batteries.

When used on a larger scale, this new method hopes to be much cheaper than lithium-ion batteries, making it a viable alternative for renewable energy projects worldwide. Professor Robert Waymouth of Stanford University stated that, “this is basic fundamental science, but we think we have a new strategy for more selectively storing electrical energy in liquid fuels.”

Improved battery and energy storage technology will be crucial for large-scale use of renewable energy and for increasing the efficiency of energy sources such as solar and wind power.  Innovation such as this can help reduce any negatives associated with renewable energy intermittency and allow us to rely less and less on fossil fuels to make up the shortfall.

In further energy storage news, a report published this week identifies the US, China and UK as the three top investment markets for energy storage worldwide. The report also predicts a significant increase in global battery energy storage systems (BESS), reaching 572GW by 2030.

Learn more about energy storage systems with the REI’s accredited Energy Storage course. Available to study standalone, as part of a Consultant Expert Pathway, or the Accredited Master in Renewable Energy Award. This course is organised in cooperation with leading universities and is aimed at personnel and consultants who are interested in implementing energy storage systems in their projects. This course will also suit anyone wanting to learn more about the advantages and uses of different Energy Storage systems.

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Sources:

https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/liquid-batteries-renewable-energy-solar-b2563971.html

https://renews.biz/93901/us-china-uk-are-the-most-attractive-bess-markets