Nickel’s problem with waste
For many of the newest lithium-ion batteries, reducing the amount of cobalt in the mix means increasing the share of nickel. But nickel comes with its own set of environmental concerns: Once it is extracted from the ground, the processing of nickel ores generates far more waste than it does usable material. And dealing with this waste is a growing problem for many producers.
European batteries, a sustainable reality
Building on Germany’s technical expertise and trailblazing track record in the early years of the energy transition, a number of homegrown battery integrators have supplied a range of market segments – with some now enjoying an enviable track record, globally. Tesvolt is one such battery provider, and founder and CEO Daniel Hannemann says that expanded battery production in Europe will only grow in importance.
The race for green hydrogen
Large swaths of low-cost land: check. Lots of sun and wind: check. The ability to transport green hydrogen cost-effectively to energy importing economies: check. Then you’re in the race to become one of the “renewable energy superpowers” of the low-carbon economy. A growing number of countries are assessing their renewable resources and natural attributes and positioning themselves to become green hydrogen exporters. However, not all are created equal.
Zero Plus for cheaper, cleaner communities
A recently completed, EU-funded applied research project has proven that significant cost reductions can be achieved when designing entire communities, rather than individual buildings, on a Net Zero Energy (NZE) basis. Elad Shaviv, the chair of the Energy Innovation Leaders Group and the head of the Israeli Smart Energy Association, reports on the findings – including how an overall energy cost reduction of almost 27% can be achieved.
A new era for battery materials
Every year, chemical and energy companies produce $15 billion worth of commodities such as carbon black, silicon oxide, and aluminum oxide, for manufacturing purposes. Engineers do this by pumping chemicals into a flame and collecting material formed in the fire, in an approach known as flame spray pyrolysis. This approach, according to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory, has the potential to create more advanced materials for use in next-generation storage batteries.
State aid key for green hydrogen
With ambitious emissions reductions targets in place for 2030, the European Union is expected to allow for fairly generous national subsidies and state aid schemes to support emerging technologies such as renewable hydrogen.
Final thought – Durable storage
Crissy He, global marketing director, Fox ESS
