New lithium battery energy storage sector

Will long-duration energy storage out-compete lithium-ion batteries?

New York/San Francisco, May 30, 2024 – Long-duration energy storage, or LDES, is rapidly garnering interest worldwide as the day it will out-compete lithium-ion batteries in some markets approaches and as decarbonization plans become more ambitious.

What is the global market for lithium-ion batteries?

The global market for Lithium-ion batteries is expanding rapidly. We take a closer look at new value chain solutions that can help meet the growing demand.

Are lithium-ion batteries good for stationary storage?

But demand for electricity storage is growing as more renewable power is installed, since major renewable power sources like wind and solar are variable, and batteries can help store energy for when it’s needed. Lithium-ion batteries aren’t ideal for stationary storage, even though they’re commonly used for it today.

Can lithium ion batteries be adapted to mineral availability & price?

Lithium-ion batteries dominate both EV and storage applications, and chemistries can be adapted to mineral availability and price, demonstrated by the market share for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries rising to 40% of EV sales and 80% of new battery storage in 2023.

What percentage of China's energy storage capacity is lithium-ion?

According to the NEA, lithium-ion battery energy storage accounted for 97 per cent of China’s operational energy storage capacity by the end of 2023, with other emerging technologies accounting for the rest.

Will LDEs costs fall as fast as lithium-ion batteries?

Still, LDES costs are unlikely to fall as fast as those of lithium-ion batteries this decade, as lithium-ion batteries are extensively used in both the transport and power sectors, and this demand will drive down the cost of the technology. Figure 1: Fully installed energy storage system average capex and ranges by technology, 2018-2024*