Batteries: "Game Changer" of the energy transition

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-friendly use of battery storage systems will not happen "by itself". Homeowners will have to decide whether it makes sense for them to invest in a stationary battery today or whether they should wait and see. Grid operators and regulatory authorities are faced with even bigger questions: How can battery storage be integrated in such a way that it results in an efficient, ecological, robust and affordable energy system? What role can batteries for electric vehicles play in this and how should 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. Other topics covered in the compendium include the real cost/benefit ratio and life cycle assessment, and how recycling and a consistent circular economy can bring improvements.

Should Switzerland just stand by and watch?

Although battery storage is also of great importance for Switzerland as a research and business location, the storage of electricity in reservoirs is preferred in this country. Should Switzerland just sit back and watch this race for innovation while other countries are conducting intensive research into new battery technologies and promoting their use? What opportunities do the development, use and recycling of batteries offer Swiss companies? And what do you need for this? Answers to these questions can also be found in the "Battery Storage Compendium" published by the Swiss Energy Storage Forum.

The battery storage compendium will be presented at the public and free online roundtable on November 16, 2022.

Source: aeesuisse

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/batterien-game-changer-der-energiewende/