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With the global push towards cleaner energy, maintaining a reliable power supply is more challenging than ever. Energy storage is evolving to meet these demands, and zinc-ion batteries are becoming a key solution in the transition to renewable energy.
The global transition towards cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is driving the transformation of our energy systems. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, renewable sources are inherently intermittent, relying on weather conditions and time of day. This variability poses a significant challenge to ensuring a reliable and consistent electricity supply to consumers, a challenge that is further amplified by growing electricity demand from rising populations, technological progress, expanded electrification, and the deteriorating infrastructure underpinning our electricity systems.
To address these challenges, the spotlight is increasingly on energy storage solutions—a cornerstone for seamlessly integrating renewable energy into the grid. Energy storage not only alleviates the intermittency of renewable sources but also actively stores surplus energy, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during low production phases. Additional benefits of energy storage include reducing electricity costs, easing grid strain during peak hours, providing backup power during grid failures, and fortifying the grid to support expanded electricity use cases, such as electric vehicle (EV) charging. Moreover, as energy demands rise, energy storage becomes vital for expanding clean energy access. It optimizes the use of renewable sources and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, conserving natural resources, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
As countries work to meet energy and climate goals, and utilities strive to fulfill renewable mandates, energy storage becomes crucial in supporting the grid by providing flexibility and enhancing the reliability of electricity supply.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) states that to meet the Paris Agreement targets and achieve net-zero emissions, a sixfold increase in energy storage is needed to support a threefold increase in global renewable energy capacity by 20301. Energy storage must expand to 1500 gigawatt (GW) by 2030, with battery storage projected to account for 90% of this growth2. This requires a 25% average annual increase in battery storage deployments through 20301, and failing to scale up to this level will risk stalling the clean energy transition.
- International Energy Agency1
Currently, most energy storage installations are designed for short-duration discharge, typically lasting less than 4 hours. They are optimized for rapid, high-power output to support grid stability services, such as frequency regulation and demand response. However, to effectively drive the transition toward decarbonization, it is crucial to establish a sustained power supply over extended periods, ranging from several hours to days or even a week. Hence, there is a need for medium- and long-duration energy storage that delivers continuous power over these extended timescales.
In front-of-the-meter (FTM) applications, medium- and long-duration energy storage solutions are becoming increasingly vital as global energy grids incorporate more distributed renewable energy and transition to decarbonized power systems. These solutions enhance grid flexibility and reliability, support peak shaving, enable wholesale arbitrage, and facilitate renewable energy shifting. They are essential for balancing supply and demand, smoothing out fluctuations in energy generation, and providing reserve capacity within the transmission and distribution (T&D) network. By ensuring energy availability during periods of low renewable generation or when T&D infrastructure is not yet upgraded, these storage solutions support the integration of more renewable energy into the grid and facilitate broader electrification in transport and other sectors, which is crucial for decarbonization.
Additionally, medium- and long-duration energy storage can aid in behind-the-meter (BTM) applications such as residential, commercial, or industrial by providing backup power for extended durations or supporting systems where uninterrupted power supply is critical. They can also support off-grid and remote applications, including micro-grids. Beyond their role as a flexibility solution, energy storage can help in energy arbitrage through load or peak shaving which can reduce energy costs for consumers. By mitigating price fluctuations and lowering electricity prices during peak times, energy storage empowers consumers to adjust their energy consumption according to prices and individual needs. This reduces reliance on expensive grid electricity and leads to direct savings on energy bills.
- International Energy Agency1
Energy storage is key to the global energy transition, enabling the integration of renewable sources and ensuring grid stability. Discover the trends shaping the future of energy storage, from emerging technologies to sustainability efforts.
Energy storage is key to the global energy transition, enabling the integration of renewable sources and ensuring grid stability. Discover the trends shaping the future of energy storage, from emerging technologies to sustainability efforts.
Enerpoly’s Production Innovation Center (EPIC) in Stockholm is pioneering the safest and most sustainable zinc-ion batteries for reliable energy storage. With cutting-edge manufacturing and a fully European supply chain, we’re setting new standards in clean energy storage to power a resilient future.
Enerpoly’s Production Innovation Center (EPIC) in Stockholm is pioneering the safest and most sustainable zinc-ion batteries for reliable energy storage. With cutting-edge manufacturing and a fully European supply chain, we’re setting new standards in clean energy storage to power a resilient future.
Meet Liv, Enerpoly's Talent Acquisition Specialist, as she shares her experience in building our team, finding people who want to make a difference, and shaping our company culture to create a great environment for top talent to grow.
Meet Liv, Enerpoly's Talent Acquisition Specialist, as she shares her experience in building our team, finding people who want to make a difference, and shaping our company culture to create a great environment for top talent to grow.
With the global push towards cleaner energy, maintaining a reliable power supply is more challenging than ever. Energy storage is evolving to meet these demands, and zinc-ion batteries are becoming a key solution in the transition to renewable energy.
The global transition towards cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is driving the transformation of our energy systems. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, renewable sources are inherently intermittent, relying on weather conditions and time of day. This variability poses a significant challenge to ensuring a reliable and consistent electricity supply to consumers, a challenge that is further amplified by growing electricity demand from rising populations, technological progress, expanded electrification, and the deteriorating infrastructure underpinning our electricity systems.
To address these challenges, the spotlight is increasingly on energy storage solutions—a cornerstone for seamlessly integrating renewable energy into the grid. Energy storage not only alleviates the intermittency of renewable sources but also actively stores surplus energy, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during low production phases. Additional benefits of energy storage include reducing electricity costs, easing grid strain during peak hours, providing backup power during grid failures, and fortifying the grid to support expanded electricity use cases, such as electric vehicle (EV) charging. Moreover, as energy demands rise, energy storage becomes vital for expanding clean energy access. It optimizes the use of renewable sources and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, conserving natural resources, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
As countries work to meet energy and climate goals, and utilities strive to fulfill renewable mandates, energy storage becomes crucial in supporting the grid by providing flexibility and enhancing the reliability of electricity supply.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) states that to meet the Paris Agreement targets and achieve net-zero emissions, a sixfold increase in energy storage is needed to support a threefold increase in global renewable energy capacity by 20301. Energy storage must expand to 1500 gigawatt (GW) by 2030, with battery storage projected to account for 90% of this growth2. This requires a 25% average annual increase in battery storage deployments through 20301, and failing to scale up to this level will risk stalling the clean energy transition.
- International Energy Agency1
Currently, most energy storage installations are designed for short-duration discharge, typically lasting less than 4 hours. They are optimized for rapid, high-power output to support grid stability services, such as frequency regulation and demand response. However, to effectively drive the transition toward decarbonization, it is crucial to establish a sustained power supply over extended periods, ranging from several hours to days or even a week. Hence, there is a need for medium- and long-duration energy storage that delivers continuous power over these extended timescales.
In front-of-the-meter (FTM) applications, medium- and long-duration energy storage solutions are becoming increasingly vital as global energy grids incorporate more distributed renewable energy and transition to decarbonized power systems. These solutions enhance grid flexibility and reliability, support peak shaving, enable wholesale arbitrage, and facilitate renewable energy shifting. They are essential for balancing supply and demand, smoothing out fluctuations in energy generation, and providing reserve capacity within the transmission and distribution (T&D) network. By ensuring energy availability during periods of low renewable generation or when T&D infrastructure is not yet upgraded, these storage solutions support the integration of more renewable energy into the grid and facilitate broader electrification in transport and other sectors, which is crucial for decarbonization.
Additionally, medium- and long-duration energy storage can aid in behind-the-meter (BTM) applications such as residential, commercial, or industrial by providing backup power for extended durations or supporting systems where uninterrupted power supply is critical. They can also support off-grid and remote applications, including micro-grids. Beyond their role as a flexibility solution, energy storage can help in energy arbitrage through load or peak shaving which can reduce energy costs for consumers. By mitigating price fluctuations and lowering electricity prices during peak times, energy storage empowers consumers to adjust their energy consumption according to prices and individual needs. This reduces reliance on expensive grid electricity and leads to direct savings on energy bills.
- International Energy Agency1
Given the anticipated need for batteries, with forecasts projecting stationary storage deployments between 760 and 1200 GW by 20303, it may be surprising that total global stationary battery storage only reached 86 GW as of 20233 with nearly half of that—42 GW—being deployed in that same year1. The two biggest barriers preventing widespread battery adoption for stationary storage are cost and material scalability.
Cost is the primary consideration for batteries, especially in energy storage applications for FTM utility systems, which exhibit the highest sensitivity to costs. Unlike other applications, such as consumer electronics, grid energy storage must compete with the low costs of incumbent fossil fuel generation. Furthermore, grid deployments require substantial investment and institutional financing, making capital costs a much greater barrier to adoption compared to other applications, such as EVs. As a result, cost is the critical metric considered in techno-economic analyses when it comes to approving energy storage installations. The U.S. Department of Energy has cited USD 100 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as the target for wider-scale deployment of energy storage4.
When assessing the costs associated with energy storage projects, we need to consider the substantial impact of various cost factors. Even minor cost fluctuations can lead to significant changes in the overall financial outlook of these projects. For example, Wood Mackenzie reports that a 2% increase in interest rates can raise the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for renewables by as much as 20% in the U.S.5, directly affecting the financial viability of projects. Therefore, even a modest decrease in battery costs can greatly enhance the feasibility of energy storage projects.
Anecdotal evidence from project developers suggests that, as of 2023, only 1 in 10 energy storage deployments receive approval. However, they estimate that a 10-15% reduction in battery costs could significantly improve this, potentially enabling 4 in 10 projects to achieve a positive internal rate of return — a key indicator of long-term investment profitability.
This impact is further evidenced from the effect of government subsidies and tax incentives on energy storage deployments. For instance, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in August 2022, made energy storage systems eligible for a 30% investment tax credit, which could potentially increase to 70% with additional incentives6. As a result, the following year saw the commissioning of 12 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of energy storage, marking an 80% increase in the total operating storage capacity in the U.S.7.
Lithium-ion batteries have been the most deployed technology in this field, with a cost ranging around USD 140/kWh in 20233. However, their economic return diminishes for discharge durations exceeding 4 hours, limiting their use to primarily shorter-duration applications. Additionally, they face a second barrier: material scalability.
Today’s state-of-the-art lithium-based batteries are highly materials intensive, relying on specific elements that cannot easily be substituted. Many of these materials are rare, expensive, and often non-recyclable in today’s infrastructure, with limited global availability and extraction processes that are challenging to scale. In addition, geopolitical issues, logistical challenges and regulatory hurdles can arise due to the concentrated locations of these critical resources. For example, political instability in South America, a major source of the world's lithium8, has introduced complexities into lithium production and investment in the region.
These complexities have caused significant price volatility in battery materials. For instance, in 2022, lithium prices surged 5 times due to a supply shortage9, followed by a decline as demand for electric vehicles waned10. More recently, between January and March 2024, lithium carbonate prices surged by 101.4% driven by a growing supply deficit11. Nickel prices spiked 60% in 202212, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Vanadium prices soared by 550% in 2018 as demand grew for vanadium redox flow batteries13.
Rapid scaling of production for these critical materials can mitigate price volatility but may also pose significant environmental, health, and safety risks. This is especially the case in countries without strong systems to manage production growth while protecting public health and the environment.
Enerpoly is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that address both cost and material scalability from the outset. Zinc-ion batteries are a promising option for stationary renewable energy storage. With their ability to discharge for over 2 hours, they enhance the economic feasibility of energy storage deployments and meet the evolving needs of the sector. Their potential for lower-cost energy storage, supported by reliable global supply chains and guaranteed safety with no risk of thermal runaway, could be key to seamlessly integrating renewables into the global energy infrastructure.
Moreover, zinc-ion technology holds significant promise for regions with emerging energy needs, such as South Africa. In these developing economies, where affordable and reliable energy solutions are essential, the cost-effectiveness and scalability of zinc-ion batteries make them a valuable asset for expanding energy access and supporting economic growth.
Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries are garnering significant attention as promising energy storage solutions due to their cost-effectiveness, safety, and eco-friendliness. These batteries utilize ions as charge carriers and typically consist of a zinc metal anode, a cathode material capable of reversible reactions, and an electrolyte that can facilitate ion movement during charge and discharge cycles.
- U.S. Department of Energy4
Various cathode materials, especially those based on manganese and vanadium oxides, have been used to enable the reversible movement of ions. Among these, zinc-manganese dioxide batteries, traditionally known for their use in non-rechargeable alkaline batteries, are now being developed into a rechargeable and safe solution. Thanks to Enerpoly's advances in chemistry and production, this technology is being sustainably scaled to meet modern energy needs.
Zinc-manganese dioxide batteries have a long history as disposable batteries, valued for their affordability, safety, recyclability, and material availability. Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries, which use zinc and manganese dioxide, are ideal for medium- and long-duration energy storage applications. With storage capacities extending beyond 2 hours, they provide an opportunity to enhance stationary energy storage applications and further expand the growing battery market.
Zinc- and manganese-based batteries benefit greatly from the global abundance and accessibility of their materials. Zinc14 is produced on a scale 66 times greater than lithium15, is readily available in over 60 European countries16, and shows high production-to-consumption surplus. Sweden is Europe's primary zinc producer, and the continent as a whole accounts for 14.6% of global refined zinc production17.
Manganese, the 12th most abundant element in the Earth's crust18, further contributes to the scalability and feasibility of these batteries.
Zinc-ion batteries excel in safety, making their manufacturing, transportation, energy storage permitting, and recycling more straightforward. Their water-based electrolyte and non-volatile, non-toxic materials enable production in regular ambient air, eliminating the need for specialized dry room conditions and simplifying the production process. The absence of hazardous chemicals not only makes the manufacturing process safer for workers, but also more environmentally friendly.
Zinc-ion batteries meet or exceed the stringent safety standards currently being implemented across various settings, such as homes, factories, and hybrid power plants. These batteries use non-flammable materials and have no risk of thermal runaway. Their chemistry has been safely employed in household devices, including children’s toys, for over six decades. This ensures a high level of safety and reliability for end users, who are safeguarded from the risks of battery fires. The inherent safe nature of zinc-ion batteries also reduces the need for precautionary safety mechanisms, leading to a quieter operation of energy storage devices. Hence, the proven safety record of these materials supports easier public acceptance, further facilitating the adoption of zinc-ion batteries in a wide range of stationary storage applications.
Furthermore, the safety of zinc-ion batteries simplifies their end-of-life treatment. Their non-toxic components, such as water-based electrolyte, allow for the use conventional, established disposal and recycling methods, while the metallic zinc anode can be repurposed for use in new batteries.
Emerging battery technologies encounter significant hurdles before they can reach the market. Although a technology may demonstrate impressive results in the lab, these benefits can diminish when transitioning to industrial-scale production. Over the years it takes to develop and commercialize a new technology, established technologies can continue to advance and outperform the newcomers due to ongoing improvements in performance and manufacturing processes. For an emerging technology to succeed, it must keep pace with such rapid industry advancements and show long-term potential. Zinc-ion batteries are well-positioned to meet this challenge for several reasons.
First, zinc-ion technology has not yet reached its full potential. Key areas to improve technology performance include optimizing the utilization of cathode materials and developing innovative battery cell designs. This leaves considerable room for advancement, allowing for opportunities to maintain and improve competitiveness in the market.
Second, zinc-ion batteries can be produced at scale using the same thin-film roll-to-roll manufacturing processes as lithium-ion batteries. This compatibility allows for the seamless integration of zinc-ion battery manufacturing into existing production lines, leveraging the infrastructure and equipment already developed and used for lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Additionally, zinc-ion batteries benefit from the established research ecosystem that supports ongoing advancements in production and can incorporate such industry innovations. Enerpoly has focused on implementing one such innovation – dry electrode manufacturing, accelerating the development and production of zinc-ion battery cells and packs. This flexibility positions zinc-ion batteries as a strong contender for scaling up and playing a crucial role in the future of clean energy.
Third, the materials used in zinc-ion batteries have been sourced by the primary battery industry for over 70 years, with established supply chains for producing and recycling battery-grade materials. This readiness helps mitigate challenges like price volatility and material shortages, which often hinder battery companies' growth.
Due to their material availability, safety and scalability, zinc-ion batteries are among the most affordable energy storage solutions for durations of 2 hours or more. The bill-of-materials, which is the highest cost in battery manufacturing, is reduced due to the use of abundant, low-cost, price-stable materials. The inherently safe chemistry reduces operating expenses by limiting the need for expensive precautionary safety infrastructure, and the technology’s compatibility with the most cost-efficient manufacturing processes further boosts their economic appeal.
These batteries promise low upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs of below EUR 100/kWh at cell level and a low levelized cost of storage (LCOS) over their lifetime. This affordability makes them ideal for a wider range of energy storage projects, offering a sustainable and scalable solution for the future.
Sustainable and scalable energy storage solutions are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural resources as energy needs grow. Enerpoly zinc-ion batteries excel in this by utilizing locally sourced, readily available materials and leveraging an established recycling infrastructure.
This approach reduces the environmental footprint, minimizes the transportation emissions of sourcing, promotes responsible practices throughout the supply chain, and enhances the product’s eco-friendliness. Overall, zinc-ion batteries have the potential to have one of the lowest carbon impacts among battery technologies.
Accessible battery technology is fundamental to the future of renewable energy, promising unmatched reliability and supporting sustainable scalability. Local production and supply chains are crucial in this context, as they enhance a nation’s energy security, reduce dependence on imports, and mitigate risks associated with global trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, they contribute significantly to global net-zero goals and stimulate local economies by creating jobs and fostering innovation.
Recognizing these benefits, Enerpoly’s business model and strategy are centered around this approach. Zinc-ion batteries represent a pivotal step toward a sustainable energy future, offering a cost-effective, safe, and scalable energy storage solution. By harnessing locally sourced materials and established manufacturing techniques, these batteries provide a reliable path for integrating renewable energy into the grid, and allowing countries to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and meet their net-zero goals. At Enerpoly, we are creating energy storage technologies that not only address today’s challenges but also lay the foundation for a greener, more resilient energy infrastructure. Through continuous honest innovation and a commitment to a thriving sustainable future, we strive to build a future where everyone has access to clean energy.
See how zinc-ion technology can improve your energy infrastructure. Contact us to start your pilot project.
1. International Energy Agency (IEA). "Batteries and Secure Energy Transitions Executive Summary". IEA - Reports, 2024.
2. International Energy Agency (IEA). “Rapid Expansion of Batteries Will Be Crucial to Meet Climate and Energy Security Goals Set at COP28", IEA - News. April 25, 2024.
3. Euan Sadden. "New Global Battery Energy Storage Systems Capacity Doubles in 2023, IEA Says", SP global. April 25, 2024.
4. U.S. Department of Energy. "2020 Grid Energy Storage Technology Cost and Performance Assessment", DoE. December 2020.
5. Wood Mackenzie. "Renewables and nascent low-carbon technologies most exposed to high interest rates". Aplril 18, 2024.
6. Utility Dive. “IRA Sets the Stage for U.S. Energy Storage to Thrive”. November 7, 2022.
7. American Clean Power. “NEW REPORTS: 2022 Marks Third-Highest Year for U.S. Utility-Scale Solar, Wind, and Storage Installations". May 22, 2023.
8. Berg, R. C., & Sady-Kennedy, T. A. “South America’s Lithium Triangle: Opportunities for the Biden Administration". Center of Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). August 17, 2021.
9. L., J. “Understanding Lithium Prices: Past, Present, and Future", Carbon Credits, May 29, 2024.
10. Financial Times. "Lithium Price Plunges on Slowing Chinese Demand for Electric Vehicles". 2024.
11. The Assay. “Lithium’s Volatile Journey and Future Outlook”. January 15, 2024.
12. Benchmark Source. “Nickel Price Surges by 60% as Russia’s Invasion Deals Further Blow to Battery Costs”. March 7, 2022.
13. Frik, E. “Vanadium Price Leaps to Near-record High”, MINING.COM, October 13, 2018.
14. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). "Zinc - Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2024". 2024.
15. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). "Lithium - Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2024". 2024
16. International Lead and Zinc Study Group. "The world zinc factboook 2020", 2020.
17. International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG). Lead and Zinc Statistics, August 2024.
18. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). "Manganese". December 19, 2017.
Energy storage is key to the global energy transition, enabling the integration of renewable sources and ensuring grid stability. Discover the trends shaping the future of energy storage, from emerging technologies to sustainability efforts.
Energy storage is key to the global energy transition, enabling the integration of renewable sources and ensuring grid stability. Discover the trends shaping the future of energy storage, from emerging technologies to sustainability efforts.
Enerpoly’s Production Innovation Center (EPIC) in Stockholm is pioneering the safest and most sustainable zinc-ion batteries for reliable energy storage. With cutting-edge manufacturing and a fully European supply chain, we’re setting new standards in clean energy storage to power a resilient future.
Enerpoly’s Production Innovation Center (EPIC) in Stockholm is pioneering the safest and most sustainable zinc-ion batteries for reliable energy storage. With cutting-edge manufacturing and a fully European supply chain, we’re setting new standards in clean energy storage to power a resilient future.
Meet Liv, Enerpoly's Talent Acquisition Specialist, as she shares her experience in building our team, finding people who want to make a difference, and shaping our company culture to create a great environment for top talent to grow.
Meet Liv, Enerpoly's Talent Acquisition Specialist, as she shares her experience in building our team, finding people who want to make a difference, and shaping our company culture to create a great environment for top talent to grow.
We believe everyone should have access to clean energy. Our sustainable, reliable and incredibly cost efficient batteries make the world just a little bit brighter.
