An entirely decarbonized energy system based on renewable energy supply requires sustainable and innovative energy storage technologies. Presently, the leading flexibilization options are mainly combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) and pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) in terms of techno-economics. Compressed air energy storage (CAES), batteries, and power-to-X technologies are being considered to widen the variety of energy storage capacities and durations. However, the combustion of fossil fuels is still crucial, representing the bottleneck for the green transition. Securing the flexible supply of decarbonized electricity to accelerate the transition toward green energies requires the development of alternative storage solutions characterized by high volumetric energy densityin particular for long-term and large-capacity energy storage applications. Considering the raw material criticality, energy density, safety and efficiency concerns, energy dense, and earth-abundant reactive metals are investigated in this chapter starting from the materials to the technological advancement level considering thermal, electrochemical, and thermochemical energy storage technologies. The considered reactive metals are analyzed based on their technical potential, availability, and technological readiness of the energy storage technology as energy storage and carrier media. Additionally, economic and environmental implications are addressed in an explorative way designating a circular metal economy where these vastly produced metals are used as an energy carrier. The metals offering high energy densities, outstanding techno-economics, and environmental performance are identified to steer the future research directions. Ultimately, highly reactive and abundant metals offer high potential for advancing these technologies in a circular economy considering the overall life cycle stages.
Reactive metals as energy storage and carrier media
Linda Barelli;
2023
Abstract
An entirely decarbonized energy system based on renewable energy supply requires sustainable and innovative energy storage technologies. Presently, the leading flexibilization options are mainly combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) and pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) in terms of techno-economics. Compressed air energy storage (CAES), batteries, and power-to-X technologies are being considered to widen the variety of energy storage capacities and durations. However, the combustion of fossil fuels is still crucial, representing the bottleneck for the green transition. Securing the flexible supply of decarbonized electricity to accelerate the transition toward green energies requires the development of alternative storage solutions characterized by high volumetric energy densityin particular for long-term and large-capacity energy storage applications. Considering the raw material criticality, energy density, safety and efficiency concerns, energy dense, and earth-abundant reactive metals are investigated in this chapter starting from the materials to the technological advancement level considering thermal, electrochemical, and thermochemical energy storage technologies. The considered reactive metals are analyzed based on their technical potential, availability, and technological readiness of the energy storage technology as energy storage and carrier media. Additionally, economic and environmental implications are addressed in an explorative way designating a circular metal economy where these vastly produced metals are used as an energy carrier. The metals offering high energy densities, outstanding techno-economics, and environmental performance are identified to steer the future research directions. Ultimately, highly reactive and abundant metals offer high potential for advancing these technologies in a circular economy considering the overall life cycle stages.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.