Energy Storage

Wednesday 20 September 2023 - Drivers behind the greater fire safety focus in EVs; Battery design and evolution impacting material selection; Aerogels compared to other fire protection materials; Key players in the aerogel market for EVs and market progress; Outlook for the future of aerogels in EV applications

The world is witnessing an electrifying revolution in the automotive industry. Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a compelling solution to combat climate change and reduce our carbon footprint. As more and more individuals and businesses shift towards electric mobility, the demand for efficient and accessible EV charging infrastructure has skyrocketed.

The global market for Li-ion batteries in electric vehicles is forecast to reach over US$380 billion by 2034, driven primarily by demand for battery electric cars but with rapid growth to other sectors too, including electric vans, trucks, buses, 2-wheelers, and off-road vehicles. Electrification and emissions targets, improving battery performance, and an increasingly attractive total cost of ownership for some vehicle segments are driving this growth in demand for battery electric vehicles (EV).

Managing the sustainability of Li-ion batteries at end-of-life (EOL) will continue to become increasingly important as the demand for Li-ion batteries continues to grow in sectors such as electric vehicles, stationary energy storage, and consumer electronics.

The new report from IDTechEx, "Electric Vehicles in Construction 2023-2043", shows that there are many reasons to adopt an electric vehicle as a construction professional: they are quieter than diesels, they help with air quality in the construction site, they can be more precise and easier to operate, and so on.

There continues to be lots of excitement regarding new Li-ion anode technologies. The next generation of silicon anode materials are inching closer to commercialization with the promise of improved energy density and rate capability.

Aerogels have experienced steady market growth historically, reaching a market of just under US$450 million in 2022. Progress has been somewhat slower than some would expect; this has largely been due to competition with lower-cost incumbent insulation materials.

The market for nanomaterials, especially nanocarbons, continues to grow - reflecting the potential to unlock several next-generation technologies. Most notable for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is incorporation in lithium-ion batteries, with production ramping up to fulfill demand, while major players are making acquisitions and expanding, leading to market consolidation.

In recent years, interest and activity in the hydrogen sector have accelerated, driven by governments recognizing hydrogen's role in the energy transition and companies worldwide capitalizing on emerging market opportunities through the supply of services, products, technologies, and projects.

Thursday 17 August 2023 - An introduction to FHE, including motivating factors; Discussion of recent innovations and commercial developments within FHE; Identification of technological gaps and potential solutions; A roadmap for how the industry will develop, spanning both technologies and applications.