Clean Power 2030 aims for 23-27 GW of battery capacity. Government is targeting increases in both grid-scale and domestic battery storage, due to the potential flexibility benefits of co-locating batteries with renewable generation. Additionally, the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate means that battery-powered electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent.
Technological changes to battery performance may have an impact on decarbonisation targets, and there are a range of next-generation battery chemistries that hold potential for different applications. These include developments that could mean faster charging and longer lifetimes, alongside potentially safer, cheaper or higher capacity technologies that have a wide range of possible applications.
The Critical Minerals Strategy lists multiple battery components as growth minerals and stresses the importance of supply chains and circular economies in increasing security of supply. Battery recycling may play a significant role as many electric vehicles reach their end of life.
This POSTnote would detail the current and next-generation battery technologies, exploring their suitability for different applications, sustainability credentials, security of supply concerns, alongside the potential opportunities and risks for the sector.