Batteries: "Game Changer" of the energy transition
There is still ignorance and skepticism about battery storage. The Forum Energiespeicher Schweiz presents a compendium on research, development, potential and system integration of battery storage.
A new compendium is to compile important information about batteries. Because in the eyes of many experts, they are considered a game changer for the energy transition. "The increasing spread of decentralized renewable energy sources together with battery storage systems optimally integrated into the system will turn the electricity system upside down - in the best sense! Just think of the boom in e-mobility with the enormous storage capacities of vehicle batteries," says Jonas Mühlethaler, head of the "Electrical Storage" working group of the Energy Storage Forum Switzerland.
Batteries are better than their reputation
However, the system-serving use of battery storage will not happen "on its own". Homeowners must decide whether it makes sense for them to invest in a stationary battery today or whether it is better to wait. Even bigger questions face grid operators or regulators: How can battery storage be integrated in a way that results in an efficient, ecological, robust and affordable energy system? What role can batteries for e-vehicles play in this, and how must appropriate regulations be designed?
The debate is often dominated by excessive costs and the supposedly "catastrophic" life cycle assessment of batteries, or reservations are expressed about their safety. How things really stand in terms of cost/benefit and life cycle assessment, and how recycling and a consistent circular economy bring improvements, are further topics covered in the compendium.
Should Switzerland just stand by and watch?
Although battery storage is also of great importance for Switzerland as a research and business location, in this country the storage of electricity is mainly preferred in reservoirs. Should Switzerland just stand by and watch in this race for innovation while other countries are intensively researching new battery technologies and promoting their use? What opportunities do the development, application and recycling of batteries offer for Swiss companies? And what do you need for this? Answers to these questions are also provided by the "Battery Storage Compendium" of the Swiss Energy Storage Forum.
The Battery Storage Compendium will be presented at the free public online roundtable on November 16, 2022.
Source: aeesuisse
