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Replacing the liquid electrolyte in traditional batteries with a solid material, these could accelerate the deployment of BESS and electric vehicles, playing a vital role in reducing global carbon emissions.
The energy storage market is expected to reach 70 GWh by 2030, driven by the growing demand from renewable energy projects and the electric vehicle market. (Representative image)
As the world is increasing its pace towards renewable energy, BESS- battery energy storage systems have emerged as a prerequisite technology, stabilizing power grids against fluctuations and reducing carbon emissions.
With BESS, excess energy from the sources of renewable energy can be stored for use when it is required-this facility supports higher utilization of intermittent sources like solar and wind.
This is in particular crucial for India as it accelerates its shift towards clean energy to achieve ambitious climate goals.
In a recent interaction with Jagdish Rai Singal, Founder and Chairman, JRS Eastman Group, he shed light on how battery storage system can help India achieve clean energy goals.
The Role of Battery Energy Storage Systems
The role of BESS is important to ensure a balance between supply and demand. It stores surplus energy during a low-demand time of day and releases it during peak demand or when the generation of renewable energy is low. This method reduces reliance on fossil fuel-based power plants and makes renewable energy supply more reliable.
India has committed to increase non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, with battery storage being the only way to achieve grid stability. The energy storage market in India is predicted to reach 70 GWh by 2030, mainly driven by demand from renewable energy projects and a burgeoning electric vehicle market. The BESS market valued at USD 9.21 billion in 2021, is estimated to reach USD 25.6 billion in 2029.
Technological Advancements in Battery Storage
Advances in battery technology, especially in lithium-ion batteries, which have high energy density value, high charging capability, and long life cycles, form the main driver for the deployment of BESS. In India, LiFePO4 batteries are favorable due to good thermal stability and adaptation to the hot climate of the country.
Alternative battery technologies are being researched as the lithium-ion battery is found to dominate the market. It would bring down the need for rare materials such as lithium and cobalt substantially.
Sodium-ion battery is one alternative that promises a much more sustainable and cost-effective route, even though it is still in the development stage. Sodium-ion batteries may well become a game-changer for large-scale BESS, especially in markets like India, which is highly cost-sensitive.
Another promising innovation is solid-state batteries, providing higher energy density and greater safety as they substitute the liquid electrolyte in traditional batteries with a solid material. Such technology could rapidly accelerate the deployment of BESS as well as the adoption of EVs, which would be a key component of efforts around the world to reduce carbon emissions.
Environmental Significance of Battery Storage
Although the BESS system reduces greenhouse gas emissions, battery production pollutes the environment enormously. Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are some raw materials whose mining destroys many habitats and depletes water. At present, 70 percent of lithium-ion batteries in India are being imported, thereby adding to the environmental footprint, resulting from long supply chains.
Answering this, the Government of India recently unveiled the Production-Linked Incentive scheme. It intends to reduce import dependency and build an all-encompassing base for indigenous battery production with an objective of setting up 50 GWh of battery storage capacity. With this initiative, India might soon emerge as the sustainable leader in battery production.
Battery disposal also poses environmental risks. It is being expected that by 2030, India will have produced tons of battery waste. This will surely pollute soil and water sources if not properly managed. In its quest to address this, the country is investing heavily in its battery recycling infrastructure. Organizations are working on systems that recover valuable materials from used batteries, minimizing waste and the need for new raw material extraction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that indeed, the success of renewable energy will depend heavily on BESS. It may begin with India, where battery technology will progress – from lithium iron phosphate to sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, ensuring better and more efficient use of energy storage.
Nevertheless, true sustainability in terms of energy will always be coupled with reducing the negative environmental footprint of batteries from production to disposal. Positively, with BESS deployed and sustainable manufacturing getting advanced, India is well-positioned to meet its renewable energy goals while minimizing its carbon footprint.
