Batteries
Renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power are, by their very nature, intermittent. To create a stable and reliable power grid we need to integrate energy storage capacity into the network. This is already done to some extent in the fossil-driven grid. When there is surplus electricity generated by coal and gas power stations, that power is used to pump water upstream, either in water towers, or behind dams. When energy is later needed the water can be released to drive turbines and generate electricity. We can use these tactics in a clean energy system, but we need to increase our storage capacity. This is where batteries come into play.
Batteries can provide a great deal of other benefits to the end user. Using electric vehicles significantly increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Batteries can provide energy independence and security, providing a decentralized network where households have power even in blackouts.
RASEI Researchers are exploring a number of perspectives around batteries, including the development of technologies based on more sustainable abundant and non-toxic elements, development of redox flow modalities, and better understanding the hurdles to adoption of electric vehicles to drive adoption.