Energy Storage without Lithium

The Holy Grail of energy is for our buildings to go all electric and get that energy from renewable sources. The problem, of course, is what to do when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing. Batteries are the clear answer, and we already have lithium-ion-based systems that work well in electric cars and for building energy storage.

Lithium-ion batteries are proven technologies, but they do have some significant challenges, including fire safety concerns, conflict mineral issues, and potential supply chain shortages. An alternative battery by Salient Energy uses zinc-ion technology rather than lithium-ion and has none of those concerns. Salient Energy’s zinc-ion battery is not a drop-in solution for every battery end use, but it has intriguing potential for building energy storage.