On November 5, the “New Energy Storage Driving Future Energy Transformation” sub-forum of the 7th Hongqiao International Economic Forum was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
Stanley Whittingham, winner of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and professor at Binghamton University, State University of New York, said in his keynote speech that lithium battery systems will continue to dominate the market in the next 5 to 10 years. It is unlikely that other products or systems will be able to replace lithium batteries in the short term, because lithium battery production is in the billions and the price is already very low, and it is difficult for any other battery system to compete with it.
“Everyone is very interested in sodium-based batteries, both in China and around the world, but I personally think its market is very limited.” Whittingham believes that the energy density of sodium-based batteries is only half that of lithium batteries, requiring higher system balance costs and safety-related concerns. It is not clear whether sodium-based batteries are safer than lithium batteries. In fact, sodium-based batteries may be less safe, and this must be studied in depth.
Whittingham said that in addition, fuel cells will play an important role, especially in heavy-duty transportation scenarios. Large heavy trucks have long driving distances, and current batteries are difficult to meet the endurance requirements. Hydrogen fuel cells are more likely to be needed.
In Whittingham’s view, lithium-ion batteries are currently facing an important challenge: the production of 1 kWh of lithium-ion batteries requires 40 kWh to 80 kWh of energy consumption. “Some raw materials can be transported up to 50,000 miles from mines to end consumers, so the localization of our supply chain must continue to increase. Ideally, each continent has its own supply chain to reduce energy consumption.”
Whittingham mentioned that making batteries more efficient requires further breakthroughs in manufacturing technology. CATL is a role model in this regard. They use more artificial intelligence technology on their production lines to improve production and manufacturing efficiency.
“When it comes to the future development trend of batteries, I think it should be more environmentally friendly, safer and more cost-effective.” Whittingham said that we should focus on the entire battery ecosystem, including tracing raw material mining, gradually eliminating carbon thermal technology in mining, and using clean electricity; understanding the materials, system management and applications of battery manufacturing; emphasizing battery recycling, etc.
The sub-forum of the “New Energy Storage Driving Future Energy Transformation” of the Hongqiao International Economic Forum was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and hosted by the Institute of Science and Technology Strategy Consulting of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and The Paper. The forum brought together high-level representatives and experts from government agencies, domestic and foreign academic circles, and industry to discuss the future development of new energy storage, draw a clearer blueprint for the future of global energy, and contribute wisdom and strength to building a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system.
Since becoming a media partner of the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, The Paper has been deeply involved in its news publicity and sub-forum hosting. On October 15, as one of the important links in the warm-up activities of the 7th Hongqiao International Economic Forum, The Paper hosted the preview salon of the 7th Hongqiao Forum “New Energy Storage Drives Future Energy Transformation” sub-forum, inviting representatives of relevant institutions, experts and scholars, and corporate representatives to discuss the internationalization process of China’s new energy and energy storage industry, share successful experiences, look forward to future trends, and promote international cooperation and exchanges. On November 5, The Paper hosted the “New Energy Storage Drives Future Energy Transformation” sub-forum and broadcast the sub-forum with pictures and text throughout the whole process, helping to enhance the recognition and influence of the forum and convey the “Hongqiao Voice” to the world.
