New equipment rusts outdoors and energy storage declines

Can alkaline iron battery chemistry repurpose iron rust waste?

The U.S. produces over 15 million tons of scrap iron wastes that are not recycled each year, many of which exist in the form of rust. Therefore, the reported rechargeable alkaline iron battery chemistry helps repurpose the iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.

How can a decarbonized energy system research platform overcome intermittency challenges?

A deeply decarbonized energy system research platform needs materials science advances in battery technology to address the intermittency challenges of wind and solar electricity. Simultaneously, policies designed to build market growth and innovation in battery storage may complement cost reductions across a suite of clean energy technologies.

What are some alternative technologies used in energy storage systems?

While lithium-ion batteries remain the most widespread technology used in energy storage systems, these systems also use hydrogen, compressed air, and other battery technologies. The storage industry is also exploring new technologies capable of providing longer-duration storage to meet different market needs.

What is a reversible rusting lithium ion battery?

Unlike current lithium-ion batteries that require expensive materials mostly from other countries such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite, the proposed battery stores electricity using widely available iron metal. It operates on what scientists call the principle of “reversible rusting.”

What technology risks do energy storage systems face?

Energy storage systems face technology risks, with lithium-ion batteries being the most widespread technology. Other technologies like hydrogen and compressed air are also used, and new longer-duration storage solutions are being explored. These technological aspects pose potential risks to the energy storage industry.

Could iron-air batteries be reversible rusting?

It operates on what scientists call the principle of “reversible rusting.” The low cost and high availability of iron could allow iron-air batteries to store electricity for several days during periods of low solar and wind power generation.