Are lithium-ion batteries the future of energy storage?

As the world increasingly swaps fossil fuel power for emissions-free electrification, batteries are becoming a vital storage tool to facilitate the energy transition. Lithium-Ion batteries first appeared commercially in the early 1990s and are now the go-to choice to power everything from mobile phones to electric vehicles and drones.

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS): Within the context of this document, this is taken to mean the products or equipment as placed on the market and will generally include the integrated batteries, power conversion and control.

What is a grid-scale battery energy storage system?

Grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) enable us to use electricity more flexibly and decarbonise the energy system in a cost-effective way. [footnote 31] As the technology and innovation in battery design, manufacturing, transportation, and deployment evolves, so will the development of additional applications.

Are lithium phosphate batteries a good choice for grid-scale storage?

Based on cost and energy density considerations, lithium iron phosphate batteries, a subset of lithium-ion batteries, are still the preferred choice for grid-scale storage.

What are battery storage plants?

In short, battery storage plants, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are a way to stockpile energy from renewable sources and release it when needed. When the wind blows and the sun shines turbines and solar panels may generate more energy than needed on a particular day.

Are lithium-ion batteries a good option for stationary energy storage?

For electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries were presented as the best option, whereas sodium-batteries were frequently discussed as preferable to lithium in non-transport applications. As one respondent stated, ‘Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a favourable option for stationary energy storage.’