Energy Storage

Energy storage goes by lithium (Li) & hydrogen (H2)

"Bet on Li & H2 for short- & long-term energy storage approaches"

  

Worldwide energy generation systems are being pushed towards renewables (REN), which don’t come for free: they vary according to weather conditions and require a form of energy storage.  Energy storage can be short- or long-term.  Short-term energy storage applications, today and at least in this decade, is based on Lithium.  Future modular long-term energy storage will, among other solutions, rely on H₂ (and its derivatives), stored in compressed gaseous (CGH₂) or liquid (LH₂) form.

  

Li-ion

  

As the first alkali metal of the periodic table, Lithium (Li), a highly reactive element with the lowest density of all metals, rules the battery world.  Currently, Li-ion batteries completely dominate the EV battery market and the (FTM & BTM) stationary energy storage applications.  But Li-demand is especially critical, expected to rise five-fold to 5,500 GWh btw 2021-2030, which boosted the search for alternative batteries, like Sodium-ion (Na-ion or SIB).  A brief overlook of the Lithium supply chain can be found here.

  

However, several automakers, particularly Japanese manufacturers (but also players in Europe & Korea), remain unconvinced that today’s lithium-ion technology will dominate in the long term, betting on solid-state batteries as the next wave of innovation.  In contrast, Chinese players continue to scale and optimize Li-ion techs, while also pursuing solid-state & sodium-ion (Na-ion) batt as longer-term option.  

  

Green H2

  

Hydrogen has emerged as an important part of the clean energy mix needed to ensure a sustainable development, especially if produced from the surplus of unconventional (solar & wind) and conventional (biomass) renewable energy sources (i.e., the "green hydrogen").  A brief overlook of the development of green hydrogen in South America can be found here.