Most of us nowadays are lucky enough to not think twice before consuming electricity in our home. From switching on kettles to flipping a switch, we’ve become accustomed to the blink of an eye being a transition to an invisible force that spreads through the walls and powers our appliances and devices.
Electrical grids currently bring energy to millions of people, but the fundamental characteristics of the system are strained and flawed. In addition, the costs to access such energy networks in remote areas can be high. Grid efficiencies are also very low. Loss during generation and transition phases cause efficiencies to be as low as 33%.
The hindrances, coupled with the impacts of fossil fuel electricity method, the crippling indirect cost of healthcare (through respiratory illnesses) and global warming clearly show that the electrical grid is need of a major revamp.
Where do we go from here?
To decentralise the electricity supply and accelerate the adoption of large volumes of electricity from renewable sources will require advances in energy storing technologies. The ability to efficiently, and reliably, store intermittent energy will keep homes warm and the kettles going through the cold and dark winter days, and the calm summer nights.
Luckily for us, there are many researchers around the globe innovating and developing novel technologies to help make single-home and community energy storage as widespread as current power lines that visually pollute our neigbourhoods.
Anyone would be negligent to discuss home battery technologies without at least acknowledging Tesla. Tesla’s small ‘Powerwall 2’ battery can store a huge amount of energy which is able to power a 2-bedroom home for a full day. However, Tesla is currently facing fierce competition from other Li-ion battery producers.
German manufacturer, Sonnen, offer a similar home battery and is developing an AirBnB-style platform for electricity sharing. Tesla also face sharp competition from China. Many Chinese companies have recently come out with promises to undercut Tesla’s batteries and has even put into question whether Tesla’s Gigafactory is still a worthwhile and viable endeavour.
It is critical to drive Li-ion innovation, as it continues to be the standard ‘tried-and-tested’ method for rechargeable energy storage. This extends from homes, to vehicles and mobile devices.
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