Energy Futures Lab: Dr Jingyi Chen, Breathe Battery Technologies Podcast
Powering the Future: How Batteries Will Drive the Net-Zero Transition
We're excited to share insights from a recent episode of Imperial College London's Energy Futures podcast, featuring our very own Head of Battery, Dr. Jingyi Chen, alongside Professor Martin Freer, CEO of the Faraday Institution. Hosted by Dr. Nadine Moustafa, this engaging discussion delved into the crucial role of energy storage in shaping a sustainable energy future and achieving net-zero goals.
Innovation and Sustainability: Pushing the Boundaries of Battery Tech
The conversation highlighted the rapid pace of innovation in the battery sector. A major focus is on improving the durability and lifespan of batteries. As Dr Jingyi Chen explained, at Breathe Battery Technologies, we're developing advanced software management solutions that use a physics-based approach to optimise charging and management. This not only extends battery life but also helps to address resource concerns by maximising the value of existing materials.
The Faraday Institution is at the forefront of this research, developing next-generation technologies like solid-state batteries and lithium-sulphur batteries. They are also exploring sodium-ion batteries as a more affordable, long-duration alternative to current lithium-ion technology.
Sustainability is a core focus, extending from mineral extraction to end-of-life recycling. Professor Freer pointed out that a future battery passport could help ensure a certain fraction of materials are recycled and reused. This also ties into the concept of second-life batteries, where retired EV batteries that still retain significant capacity can be repurposed for less demanding applications like stationary energy storage – an area where our technology at Breathe Batteries is making significant strides in optimising battery health for longer use.
The Importance of Collaboration
Achieving a net-zero future requires a collaborative effort between all stakeholders. Jingyi and Professor Freer stressed the need for a "mission-driven approach" involving:
Academia: To conduct foundational research and develop new technologies.
Industry: To scale up innovations and bring them to market, like the work we do at Breathe Battery Technologies.
Government: To provide critical funding, incentives, and a stable regulatory environment.
The UK's Faraday Battery Challenge, a government-backed program, is a prime example of this collaboration in action, investing in research and development and providing support for commercialisation through facilities like the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC). The new Cap and Floor regime for long-duration energy storage is another government initiative designed to provide financial certainty for investors.
Ultimately, the goal is to create an integrated, smart energy system, from large-scale grid infrastructure to smart homes with EVs and solar panels, where different energy storage technologies work together to create a sustainable and resilient energy future.
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