Are lithium-ion battery energy storage systems sustainable?

Presently, as the world advances rapidly towards achieving net-zero emissions, lithium-ion battery (LIB) energy storage systems (ESS) have emerged as a critical component in the transition away from fossil fuel-based energy generation, offering immense potential in achieving a sustainable environment.

Are batteries the future of energy storage?

Batteries are at the core of the recent growth in energy storage and battery prices are dropping considerably. Lithium-ion batteries dominate the market, but other technologies are emerging, including sodium-ion, flow batteries, liquid CO2 storage, a combination of lithium-ion and clean hydrogen, and gravity and thermal storage.

Can lithium ion batteries be adapted to mineral availability & price?

Lithium-ion batteries dominate both EV and storage applications, and chemistries can be adapted to mineral availability and price, demonstrated by the market share for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries rising to 40% of EV sales and 80% of new battery storage in 2023.

Who will be the winner of grid-scale battery energy storage?

China is likely to be the main winner from the increased use of grid-scale battery energy storage. Chinese battery companies BYD, CATL and EVE Energy are the three largest producers of energy storage batteries, especially the cheaper LFP batteries.

Are Li-ion batteries competitive?

The continued decline in the costs of Li-ion batteries has increased their competitiveness over traditional sources.13 A storage plant providing peaking capacity provides two primary sources of value: the value of providing physical capacity, and the value of energy time-shifting.

Are lithium-ion batteries in short supply?

A further risk is that lithium-ion batteries rely on critical minerals that are expected to be in short supply by the end of the decade. However, that could be balanced out by the development of other storage technologies, such as sodium-ion batteries.