Signal Water-Based Batteries: A Safer Alternative to Lithium-Ion for the Grid? / Is sustainable energy saving our climate? (perovskite solar cells)

Summary

The IEA's special report “Batteries and Secure Energy Transitions” estimates that meeting the COP28 pledge — made by nearly 200 countries to triple global renewable capacity and double the pace of energy-efficiency improvement by 2030 — requires global energy storage capacity to rise sixfold to 1,500 GW, of which batteries account for 1,200 GW (a roughly 14-fold increase) under the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario. Global installed battery storage capacity in the power sector rose from just 1 GW in 2013 to over 85 GW in 2023, driven mainly by China, the EU and the US; China accounted for 55% of new installations in 2023, tripling its capacity to 23 GW, while the US roughly doubled additions year over year to over 8 GW. Battery costs have fallen more than 90% in under 15 years, among the fastest cost declines seen in clean energy technology. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said batteries and electrification of transport are two key pillars for meeting COP28 climate targets. Water-based batteries and perovskite solar cells are among the alternatives under examination as the sector looks for ways to close the storage gap.