Toyota recently announced a breakthrough in the production of solid-state batteries. Unlike lithium batteries, these differentiate themselves by having a solid electrolyte connecting the cathode to the anode instead of a liquid one (currently undergoing tests with various polymers, oxides, and sulfides).
The shift to a solid electrolyte addresses the significant flammability issue of lithium batteries, requiring precautions and safety devices in host vehicles. However, cases of spontaneous combustion globally led maritime transport companies to ban the shipment of hybrid/electric vehicles on their cargo ships, especially after serious shipboard fires.
Notable incidents include the Felicity Ace fire in February 2021, causing the car carrier to sink days later, with estimated damages exceeding $400 million. In July 2023, the merchant ship Fremantle Highway experienced a fire originating from one of the 500 electric cars, resulting in a fatality and damages surpassing $300 million.
Advantages over Lithium Batteries
Solid-state batteries offer key advantages, including enhanced safety and potential for increased energy efficiency. The absence of metallic anodes could eliminate the need for critical materials like graphite, reducing dependence on geopolitically sensitive suppliers such as China.
Despite promising advancements, challenges remain significant. Large-scale production, costs, and sensitivity to humidity are obstacles that must be addressed before this technology can dominate the market.
Energy Storage Potential
The energy storage capacity depends on the electrochemical potential of the active substance and is inversely proportional to its atomic mass. While advancements are continually made, the electrochemical potential remains within the range of 1-10 volts. Hydrogen, helium, and lithium, the first elements in mass order, have limitations, making mass utilization challenging.
Energy Storage Needs in Italy
Italy’s increasing reliance on renewable energy raises the importance of energy storage. During daylight hours, the country’s energy consumption reaches 500 GW per day. To ensure a constant supply, storage devices with at least 20 times the capacity are necessary. This precaution is vital as sunny days are not guaranteed to follow each other. Achieving a secure energy supply would require a storage capacity of at least 10,000 GWh. Considering the cost of around 1000 euros per kWh of storage, this would amount to a spending of 10 trillion euros, five times the national GDP.
In Conclusion
Energy storage, especially from intermittent sources like renewables, poses a significant challenge. Evaluating the entire supply chain, from material chemistry and availability to technological feasibility and costs, is crucial for genuine progress without relying on public subsidies, ensuring it benefits all socioeconomic strata.
