Energy storage systems are a critical source of backup power, harnessing energy needed in situations such as peak demand and black-outs. 

These systems store excess energy generated by sources like solar and wind and release it when it’s needed most, providing resilience and reliability to the power grid.

Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, have become a leading technology in this field due to their efficiency, durability, and versatility.

Below are a few key reasons battery storage systems are needed:

7 Reasons We Need Energy Storage Systems

Stabilising the Electrical Grid 

The electrical grid is a complex infrastructure that supplies power to millions of people and industries. However, the grid faces challenges such as fluctuating demand, infrastructure limitations, and reliance on fossil fuels. 

By incorporating battery energy storage, especially lithium-ion batteries, the grid gains a buffer. This storage helps balance supply and demand, especially during peak demand times when energy needs spike, and transmission and distribution systems are stressed. Storing energy allows for quick release during high-demand periods, reducing the risk of blackouts and supporting grid reliability.

Supporting Renewable Energy Integration 

As renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prominent, managing their intermittent nature becomes crucial. 

These energy sources are dependent on weather conditions, leading to periods of surplus generation (sunny or windy days) and low generation (cloudy or calm days). 

Battery energy storage systems make it possible to store excess energy generated during peak renewable production and discharge it when production drops, ensuring a consistent power supply. 

Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels 

Traditional power generation heavily relies on fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental pollutants. By investing in lithium-ion batteries and other storage technologies, we can reduce the need for fossil-fuel-based power plants, especially during peak demand. 

This shift lowers electricity costs by reducing the operational costs associated with fossil-fuel plants and decreasing the environmental impact. ESS contributes to the decarbonisation of the grid, helping countries meet their climate goals and lowering the overall carbon footprint of electricity generation.

Supporting Electric Vehicles (EVs) 

EVs are a critical part of the clean energy transition, and they rely on battery technology, often lithium-ion, for power. As EV adoption grows, so does the demand for efficient and high-capacity batteries. 

Additionally, ESS technology complements EV infrastructure by storing energy generated from renewable sources to charge EVs during off-peak times. This synergy between battery storage and EVs supports cleaner transportation, reduces emissions, and lessens the overall strain on the grid.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Lowering Electricity Costs 

Efficient energy storage systems contribute significantly to energy efficiency by reducing the amount of wasted energy. By capturing surplus energy that would otherwise go unused, ESS ensures that power is available when it’s needed without requiring additional generation. 

This capability not only enhances grid efficiency but also reduces electricity costs for consumers, as stored energy can be released during peak times when electricity prices are higher. Over time, this efficiency contributes to lower utility bills and promotes more responsible energy use.

Resilience and Backup Power in Emergencies 

Energy storage systems offer vital backup power during unexpected outages, such as those caused by natural disasters or sudden demand surges. In these situations, stored energy can be rapidly deployed to ensure that essential services and households remain powered. 

Lithium-ion battery storage is particularly effective for these applications because of its fast response times and high energy density. By providing a reliable source of backup power, ESS enhances community resilience and mitigates the impact of power outages.

Encouraging Technological Advancements in Storage Solutions 

The rise in demand for ESS has spurred rapid advancements in storage technologies. Lithium-ion batteries have become the industry standard for high-performance energy storage due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and efficiency. 

However, ongoing research and innovation are leading to new developments, including solid-state batteries and flow batteries. These advancements contribute to a more efficient and sustainable energy landscape, lowering costs and improving battery longevity, which in turn accelerates the transition to a cleaner energy system.

At Lithium Cycle, we specialise in recycling lithium batteries, and those used for energy storage systems. If you are a business generating bulk loads of battery waste, we can provide collections nationwide. Please get in touch with our team today to find out more about our recycling services, or to book a collection for your battery waste.

Yes, EVs most commonly use lithium batteries for their long battery life and efficiency. In this article, we will discuss why electric cars use lithium ion batteries, and the benefits of doing so.

9 Reasons Lithium Batteries Are Used For EVs

High Energy Density for Long Ranges

Lithium-ion EV batteries provide high energy density, meaning they can store a lot of energy in a compact, lightweight design. This enables electric vehicles (EVs) like the Nissan Leaf to achieve longer ranges on a single charge without excessive bulk or weight. 

Higher battery capacity also reduces the need for frequent recharging, making electric cars more practical compared to those with lead-acid batteries or older technologies.

Efficient Energy Storage and Performance

Lithium-ion technology is known for its efficient energy storage and power delivery, enabling quick acceleration and strong performance. The efficiency of lithium-ion batteries makes them particularly well-suited to electric car batteries that must perform reliably across different driving conditions. This is especially important as EVs aim to provide a comparable experience to traditional combustion engines used in petrol or diesel vehicles.

Fast Charging Capability

Lithium-ion battery packs can handle faster charging speeds than other types, meaning shorter charging stops for EV drivers. With ongoing improvements in fast-charging infrastructure, EVs are increasingly capable of providing more convenient and rapid charging cycles, which appeals to drivers accustomed to the quick refuelling of petrol or diesel cars.

Extended Lifespan with Multiple Charging Cycles

EV battery cells are designed to last through many charging cycles, making lithium-ion batteries a long-term solution for electric vehicles (EVs). They can endure years of charging and discharging without significant degradation in battery capacity, which is essential for both all-electric and hybrid cars. This durability also contributes to lower replacement costs over the vehicle’s life.

Low Self-Discharge Rate

Lithium-ion electric car batteries have a low self-discharge rate, retaining their charge well even when not in use. This makes them ideal for EVs, as drivers can leave their cars parked for extended periods without worrying about energy drain. For those transitioning from fossil fuels to electric options, this feature enhances the overall convenience of EVs.

Lightweight and Compact Design

Lithium-ion battery packs are significantly lighter than traditional options like lead-acid batteries, which helps make electric vehicles (EVs) more efficient. This lower weight allows EVs to match or even exceed the efficiency of cars powered by combustion engines. Weight reduction is especially crucial in small to mid-sized EVs, which need to balance space, energy, and weight effectively to achieve optimal performance.

High Power-to-Weight Ratio for Performance

Lithium-ion battery cells provide high power relative to their weight, enabling quick acceleration and robust performance. This is especially beneficial for drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) who want a responsive driving experience similar to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. The power-to-weight ratio is also advantageous for high-performance EV models that compete with or outperform combustion-based cars.

Scalability in Large Battery Packs

Lithium-ion batteries can be organised into large, scalable battery packs for EVs without compromising efficiency. This flexibility allows manufacturers to fit batteries into different models, from compact cars to large SUVs, and manage battery cells in configurations that maximise energy storage. This adaptability is vital as electric car designs evolve to meet a range of consumer needs.

Ongoing Advancements in Technology

Research into solid-state batteries is making strides, promising even higher energy densities and faster charging capabilities for future EV batteries. Although solid-state batteries are still in development, their potential to improve battery capacity and charging cycles could further enhance the practicality of electric vehicles (EVs). These advancements are part of the industry’s push toward sustainable, long-term alternatives to fossil fuels and combustion engines.

The Benefits Of Lithium Batteries For Electric Cars

Lithium-ion batteries are favoured for electric vehicles (EVs) due to their combination of high energy density, long lifespan, efficient charging, and lightweight design. They provide a powerful, efficient alternative to fossil fuel engines, aligning with the automotive industry’s goal to reduce reliance on petrol or diesel.

When disposing of these batteries, it’s important to use a professional recycling business. At Lithium Cycle, we specialise in recycling lithium batteries for businesses nationwide. This includes lithium batteries used for electric cars, e-bikes, e-scooters, solar power systems and many other products.

The global energy storage market almost tripled in 2023. Energy storage is a game-changer for sustainability. Why? Becuase it helps us make the most of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which aren’t always available when we need them most. 

The sun doesn’t shine at night, and wind can be unpredictable, but energy storage systems allow us to store excess energy when it’s plentiful and use it later when demand is high.

By storing this energy, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and stabilise electricity grids with a cleaner, more reliable power supply. It also helps balance energy loads, preventing waste during times of surplus and lowering overall energy costs by reducing the need for peak-time electricity from traditional sources.

Energy storage systems also support a more resilient grid, providing backup power during outages or emergencies, making sure that even if the grid fails, there’s a stored energy supply ready to step in. This is particularly crucial for critical infrastructure like hospitals, data centres, and emergency services.

4 Reasons Energy Storage Benefits Sustainability

Maximises Renewable Energy Use

Energy storage allows us to capture and store excess power generated from solar and wind sources, making clean energy available on back-up.

Reduces Fossil Fuel Reliance

By storing renewable energy, we can reduce the need for backup power from fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner power supply.

Stabilises Electricity Grid

Energy storage helps smooth out fluctuations in supply and demand, ensuring consistent power availability. This reduces strain on the grid and prevents wasteful energy spikes.

Supports Energy Reliance

During power outages or emergencies, energy storage systems can step in to provide backup power, making communities more self-reliant and less vulnerable to disruptions in traditional energy supplies.

Materials Can Be Recycled

When it comes to energy storage, the concern about battery waste is real, but there’s good news: batteries can be recycled! Specifically, lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in energy storage systems, can be broken down and valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be recovered. This helps minimise waste, reduce the need for new resource extraction, and cut down on the environmental impact of mining.

Recycling batteries also ensures that hazardous materials don’t end up in landfills, which protects ecosystems from potential contamination. Companies like ours provide specialised recycling services to responsibly dispose of these batteries and give them a second life. 

So while batteries do have a limited lifespan, their materials don’t have to go to waste—they can be reused in new energy storage systems, helping create a more sustainable cycle.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) work by storing energy to be released for later use. These energy storage systems often use lithium-ion batteries to store the energy and release it when required. 

They’re the go-to solution for storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind because they’re efficient, reliable, and capable of storing large amounts of stored electricity.

The electricity gets stored in these giant, rechargeable batteries and is released to power homes, businesses, or even entire electricity grids when demand spikes or during a power outage. New battery energy storage system (BESS) installations worldwide added up to 74 gigawatt-hours in 2023, up from 27 gigawatt-hours a year earlier.

What Are Battery Energy Storage Systems Used For?

Security Monitoring

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are used to support critical monitoring systems like security systems, smoke detectors, and even medical equipment. These systems require a reliable, uninterrupted power supply to function effectively, and that’s where battery storage comes in. 

For security systems, BESS ensures that surveillance cameras, alarms, and monitoring devices continue to operate even during a power outage. Since security systems are crucial for protecting businesses, having a backup power supply in the form of a battery is essential to avoid any downtime.

Medical Equipment

For medical equipment, especially in hospitals or for at-home patient care, reliable power is critical. BESS can store energy supplies and kick in during emergencies, providing a dependable energy source until regular power is restored.

Solar Energy

Imagine a sunny day when your solar panels are producing more energy than your house can use. Instead of letting that energy go to waste, a BESS allows you to store energy for use later—like when the sun goes down or clouds roll in. It’s the ultimate energy storage solution for ensuring you have a consistent power supply, even when your renewable energy sources aren’t producing at full capacity.

Electricity

On a large scale, BESS are used by utility companies to keep the grid running smoothly. When there’s too much energy being produced, say, during high winds or sunny days, the excess energy gets stored in these systems. Then, during peak hours when energy demand shoots up, the battery storage system releases its stored electricity back into the grid. This process not only prevents waste but also helps lower overall energy costs by providing electricity when it’s needed most. In emergency situations like a power outage, BESS can be lifesavers by ensuring backup energy supplies are available to keep everything running.

Why Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Used For Energy Storage Systems?

So, why do we love lithium-ion batteries for energy storage? Well, for starters, they have a high energy density, meaning they can pack a lot of power into a relatively small space. This makes them perfect for both residential and large scale battery storage applications. Another major plus is that they’re incredibly efficient at cycling energy—charging and discharging—without losing much of their capacity. That means they can store electricity and release it over and over again, making them a reliable choice for both short-term and long-term energy storage.

Lithium-ion batteries are also pretty versatile, able to handle both the short bursts of energy needed to smooth out fluctuations in electricity grids, as well as the longer, sustained output. 

Since they’re commonly used in everything from solar and wind energy systems to electric vehicles, their production has scaled up, making them more affordable.

Can You Recycle These Batteries?

Absolutely! And this is where we come in. While lithium-ion batteries are fantastic for storing energy, they do eventually reach the end of their lifecycle. But instead of ending up in a landfill, these batteries can—and should—be recycled. 

By recycling lithium-ion batteries used in energy storage systems, valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be recovered and reused to make new batteries. This not only reduces the environmental impact of mining for new resources but also keeps hazardous materials out of our ecosystems.

At Lithium Cycle, we specialise in recycling batteries from energy storage systems, ensuring that the life of your energy storage solution doesn’t end when the battery does. 

Modern hybrid cars use lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries. 

The type of battery used in a hybrid car really depends on the make and model. For instance, if you’re driving a plug-in hybrid like the Toyota Prius Prime or Chevrolet Volt, chances are you’re benefiting from a large li-ion battery pack under the hood. Why? Li-ion batteries have a higher energy density compared to NiMH batteries, which means they can store more electrical energy in a smaller, lighter package. 

This allows plug-in hybrids to go further on electric power before the gasoline engine has to kick in to recharge the battery or help drive the car.

On the other hand, some hybrids, especially older models, rely on NiMH batteries. These batteries may not be as energy-dense, but they’re tough, reliable, and get the job done when it comes to powering the electric motor. They’ve been around longer, and for many hybrid cars, they’re still a solid choice.

Why Do Hybrid Cars Use These Battery Types?

Hybrid cars are all about efficiency, and these battery types—whether lithium-ion or nickel-metal-hydride—help maximise fuel economy. By storing and releasing electrical energy when needed, hybrid batteries allow the car to seamlessly switch between gasoline and electric power. This reduces fuel consumption and makes hybrids incredibly fuel efficient.

A key reason hybrids use these specific battery types is because of regenerative braking. When you brake, the car captures that wasted energy and uses it to recharge the battery, boosting your efficiency even more. It’s like magic—except it’s all science! High-voltage batteries are essential for this process, as they can store the electrical energy needed to keep things running without relying solely on gasoline.

In addition to improving efficiency, both li-ion and NiMH batteries are durable enough to handle the frequent charging and discharging cycles that come with hybrid driving. This means that while the battery may seem to be working hard in the background, it’s built to last.

How Do I Dispose Of Hybrid Vehicle Batteries?

One thing that often gets overlooked is what happens when these batteries reach the end of their life. And yes, they do eventually run out of juice—though they last longer than many people think. So, how long do hybrid batteries last? Well, it can vary depending on the make, model, and how the vehicle is driven, but many hybrid batteries are built to last anywhere from 8 to 15 years.

When the time comes to replace that trusty hybrid battery, don’t just throw it in your general rubbish. Hybrid batteries are recyclable, and that’s where we come in. If you’ve got an old li-ion from your hybrid or electric vehicle, we can collect and recycle it responsibly. 

By recycling, you’re helping ensure that valuable materials are recovered and reused, and you’re keeping toxic chemicals out of landfills. Plus, it means fewer resources are needed to produce new batteries, making the entire process a little bit greener.

Remember, these batteries are high-voltage powerhouses, so handling and disposing of them properly is crucial. Always recycle through certified programs to make sure you’re doing your part in maintaining a sustainable cycle of battery production and disposal.

The lithium-ion battery is used across the globe to power a range of products including electric vehicles, solar energy storage systems, e bikes and various small and large appliances. 

As we see the rising demand for lithium ion batteries, our team has explored some key statistics relating to their growth, environmental impact, and capacity. 

6 Lithium Ion Battery Statistics For 2024

The vast majority of lithium-ion batteries—about 77% of the world’s supply—are manufactured in China

Let’s start with the big one—China. It’s no secret that China is a manufacturing giant, but did you know that it produces a whopping 77% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries? That’s right, more than three-quarters of the global supply comes from the country.

Whether it’s batteries for electric vehicles or solar panels, the Chinese lithium-ion battery industry is cranking out power cells at an unmatched pace.

For manufacturing the Tesla Model 3, holding an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery, CO2 emissions would range between 2400 kg (almost two and a half metric tons) and 16,000 kg (16 metric tons).

To build a Tesla Model 3, which houses an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery, the CO2 emissions can range anywhere from 2,400 kg to 16,000 kg. That’s up to 16 metric tons of carbon emissions just to produce one of these beauties! Sure, the emissions from driving electric cars are a fraction of traditional vehicles, but the battery production process still packs a punch.

The global lithium-ion battery market size was estimated at USD 54.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3% from 2024 to 2030.

Now, let’s talk about money—specifically, the global lithium-ion battery market. In 2023, the market size was pegged at USD 54.4 billion, and get this—it’s expected to grow at a mind-boggling 20.3% annual rate through 2030. 

That’s a pretty solid growth curve, driven by the surge in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and energy storage needs. In short, we’re just getting started, folks.

Asia-Pacific dominated the lithium-ion battery market with a market share of 48.45% in 2023.

The Asia-Pacific region is leading the charge (pun intended) when it comes to dominating the lithium-ion battery market. 

In 2023, the region held an impressive 48.45% market share. With countries like China and South Korea ramping up production, and Australia mining more lithium than ever, the Asia-Pacific is holding down the fort as the centre of battery production.

In 2023, Australia was the world leader in terms of lithium mine production, with an estimated output of 86,000 metric tons. 

Speaking of mining, Australia is absolutely crushing it when it comes to lithium production. In 2023, they were the global leader, mining an estimated 86,000 metric tons of lithium. That’s a whole lot of lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) just waiting to be turned into high-energy-density batteries. 

With the United States and other nations pushing for more clean energy, you can bet that demand for Australian lithium will keep climbing. 

Approximately 15 tonnes of CO2 are emitted for every tonne of lithium extracted.

But here’s the kicker—lithium extraction has its own environmental toll. For every tonne of lithium extracted, about 15 tonnes of CO2 are emitted into the atmosphere. 

That’s not great news for our carbon footprint, especially considering the rising demand for li-ion batteries in passenger cars and other applications. 

It’s a tough balancing act—meeting the growing need for clean energy while minimising the impact of extracting the raw materials that make it possible.

Dispose Of Lithium-Ion Batteries Safely

In a world where we’re constantly searching for better energy sources and ways to harness renewable energy, lithium-ion batteries are the key to unlocking a sustainable future. Their battery chemistry—whether it’s oxide NCA or lithium iron phosphate LFP—allows us to store and use energy more efficiently. As the world transitions to more electric passenger cars and clean energy systems, the importance of lithium-ion batteries can’t be overstated.

If you are a business based in the UK looking for sustainable solutions, we are here to help. Our team is trained to safely handle lithium batteries, ensuring they are transported to licensed treatment and recycling facilities. Here, the materials can be recycled effectively into new products, diverting waste from causing harm to both human health and the environment.