Battery energy storage – the challenge of sustaining sustainable energy

Battery energy storage is promoted as a key technology in the decarbonisation of electrical power systems and in the provision of energy in contexts across the globe. In the UK, commercially viable projects have halved the carbon emissions of domestic properties and have allowed commercial properties to achieve 2030 carbon targets. In areas with little or no electricity provision, the use of battery energy storage is increasing alongside renewable generation to provide energy which is not dependent on the import of fuel.

Driven by a growth in battery energy storage for electric vehicles, there is shift of battery energy storage from lead acid batteries to lithium ion technologies (primarily lithium NMC and LFP batteries). Lithium batteries promise longer service lifetimes (up to 30 years with some manufacturers), but there is a global concern about the supply of materials for battery storage notably lithium and cobalt. Cobalt in particular is concerning due to the scarcity of supply and concerns about the use of child labour in its mining (link).

It is clear that battery energy storage is having a major impact in the decarbonisation of electricity supplies. By allowing higher penetration and usefulness of renewable technologies and electrifying vehicles it is permitting further reduction in the use of fossil fuels. By that definition, it is helping to develop a more sustainable energy system. However, the sustainability of that system is entirely dependant on the sustainability of the materials that are used in the batteries. As with fossil fuels, the materials that are used in batteries are inherently finite and so if batteries are to be central to a our decarbonised energy system then recycling all materials at the end of life will critical to ensuring that it is also a sustainable energy system.

Lead acid batteries are inherently recyclable, and recycling facilities are owned by major manufacturers of these devices e.g. Hoppecke. Tesla, a major user of lithium batteries, has also begun to implement a battery recycling process. However, the challenge of recycling is not just the provision of recycling facilities. True recycling relies on overcoming the social, financial and technical challenges in all contexts. I believe that this research project could be a critical juncture in the often overlooked side of batteries in our fight for a sustainable lifestyle.