RENEWCONNECT - All about renewables & power sector

 The Energy Storage Summit EU 2025, held on February 18-19 in London, brought together industry leaders to discuss pivotal topics shaping the energy storage sector. Key highlights from Day Two include: 1. Co-location and Market Opportunities: Co-location with Renewables: Discussions emphasized that integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) with renewable energy sources remains underutilized in Europe, presenting significant growth potential. Emerging Markets: While the UK and Germany lead in energy storage deployment, countries like Italy and Poland are gaining attention due to favorable regulations and market depth. The Nordic countries and Spain also present promising opportunities.  Energy Storage News 2. Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES): Lithium-Ion's Role: Experts discussed the potential for lithium-ion batteries to meet Great Britain's long-duration energy storage needs, with projections indicating a demand for systems capable of 10-hour durations or more i...

A lithium-hydrogen (Li-H) battery is an emerging energy storage technology that combines lithium and hydrogen to achieve high energy densities. Recent research has demonstrated that Li-H batteries can reach theoretical energy densities up to 2,825 Wh/kg, significantly surpassing traditional lithium-ion batteries. Ref:  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Construction and Operation: In a typical Li-H battery, the anode consists of lithium metal, while the cathode utilizes hydrogen gas. During discharge, lithium atoms release electrons and form lithium ions, which migrate to the cathode. Simultaneously, hydrogen gas at the cathode undergoes a catalytic reaction, accepting electrons and combining with lithium ions to form lithium hydride. This process is reversed during charging, regenerating hydrogen gas and lithium metal. Ref:  onlinelibrary.wiley.com Recent Developments: In February 2025, researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China unveiled a Li-H battery prototype ...

To help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each energy storage innovation, here's a comparative analysis based on key factors: Technology Energy Density Efficiency Lifespan Scalability Cost Best Use Cases Solid-State Batteries ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~90%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10-15 yrs) ⭐⭐ (Scaling challenges) Expensive 🚨 EVs, Portable Devices Gravity-Based Storage ⭐ (Low) ⭐⭐⭐ (~80%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (50+ yrs) ⭐⭐⭐ (Large sites needed) High Initial Cost Grid-Level, Mines Thermal Energy Storage ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) ⭐⭐ (~60-80%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (20-30 yrs) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Industrial scale) Moderate Industrial, Heating/Cooling Green Hydrogen & Fuel Cells ⭐⭐ (Medium) ⭐ (~40-60%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10-20 yrs) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Long-term) High 🚨 Industry, Transport, Grid Flow Batteries (VRFB/Iron-Air) ⭐⭐ (Medium) ⭐⭐⭐ (~70-80%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (20-25 yrs) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Scalable) Moderate Grid, Industrial, Renewables AI & Blockchain in Storage N/A Optimizes Storage Efficiency N/A N/A Costly Tech Smart Grids, Energy Trading Key Insights and Takeaways ✅ For Short-Term S...

Energy storage is a crucial enabler of renewable energy, ensuring grid stability, energy efficiency, and power reliability. Below is a deep dive into key innovations shaping the future of energy storage. 1. Solid-State Batteries Overview Solid-state batteries (SSBs) replace the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte, improving safety, energy density, and lifespan. Advantages ✅ Higher energy density (2-3 times that of Li-ion) ✅ Improved safety (non-flammable, unlike liquid electrolytes) ✅ Faster charging times ✅ Longer lifespan with reduced capacity degradation Challenges ⚠️ High production costs due to material and manufacturing complexities ⚠️ Scalability issues – still in early commercial deployment ⚠️ Need for improved solid electrolytes (e.g., sulfides, oxides) Leading Companies & Research Toyota : Aims to commercialize SSBs in EVs by 2027 QuantumScape : Developing lithium-metal SSBs with Volkswagen Samsung & CATL : Researching sul...

  Innovation in Energy Storage Systems As the world transitions toward a renewable energy-dominated future, energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming a crucial part of modern power infrastructure. Innovations in ESS are essential to ensure grid stability, maximize renewable energy utilization, and provide efficient backup power solutions. Here are the latest advancements in energy storage technologies: 1. Advanced Battery Technologies Solid-State Batteries : These batteries replace liquid electrolytes with solid electrolytes, offering higher energy density, longer lifespan, and improved safety. Companies like Toyota and QuantumScape are leading developments. Sodium-Ion Batteries : A promising alternative to lithium-ion, sodium-ion batteries use abundant sodium, reducing costs and dependence on lithium supply chains. CATL and Faradion are pioneering this space. Lithium-Sulfur Batteries : These have the potential to store up to five times the energy of conventional lithium-ion batter...

Integrated Renewable Energy Power (IREP) refers to the strategic combination of various renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and energy storage—into a single system to create a more stable and reliable energy supply. The integration of these sources allows the system to overcome the intermittency challenges associated with individual renewable energy types (e.g., solar and wind). This approach can also ensure more efficient use of resources and infrastructure, leading to higher energy output and reduced environmental impacts. Types of IREP Models Solar-Wind Hybrid Systems : Combines solar PV (photovoltaic) and wind power, often sharing transmission lines and inverters. Balances power generation, as solar is generally available during the day and wind can blow at night or in different seasons. Renewable Energy with Storage Systems : Includes batteries or other storage technologies (like pumped hydro or thermal energy storage) that store excess power generated f...

Scope of Implementation in India: Grid Integration with Renewables : India’s power sector is rapidly moving toward renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are essential to manage intermittency and stabilize the grid. DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) are crucial for integrating ESS to ensure consistent power supply, especially during peak and off-peak hours. Demand Management : With increasing electricity demand, DISCOMs in India face challenges in ensuring reliable supply. ESS can be deployed for demand response programs, load shifting, and peak shaving to reduce stress on the grid during high demand periods. Frequency Regulation : ESS plays a significant role in maintaining grid frequency within permissible limits. In India, where frequency fluctuations are common, deploying storage systems can help maintain grid stability and avoid penalties for DISCOMs. Decentralized Power Generation : India is focusing on decentralized generation and micr...

Energy Storage is the key aspect in the renewable ecosystem, making the 24/7 availability of RE power which will help in converting the regular grid into a renewable energy grid in the coming future. Some of the different types of energy storage systems are: India has come up with a framework and policy on Energy Storage in the year 2023, for the integration into the grid with the VGF scheme similar to the kind of support given for wind WTGs from 2014 to 2017. Tata - TPDDL and installed 10 MW/ 10 MWh at the distribution segment with external funding.  There are different possibilities for the integration of energy storage from the generation, transmission, and distribution segments across the globe. In the current market, there are different chemical and non-chemical energy storage systems present with advantages and limitations. Consumers need to come up with a strategy in considering the technical, financial, and environmental specifications of the battery technology to choose a ...