Although it is possible that first systems for seasonal energy storage with aluminium may run as early as 2022, a large scale application is more likely from the year 2030 onward.
Swiss researchers believe it could be the key to affordable seasonal storage of renewable energy, clearing a path for the decarbonization of the energy grid Aluminum has an energy density more than 50 times higher than lithium ion, if you treat it as an energy storage medium in a redox cycle battery.
Energy that is stored chemically in Al may reach 23.5 MWh/m 3. Power-to-Al can be used for storing solar or other renewable energy in aluminium. Hydrogen and heat can be produced at low temperatures from aluminium and water. ≈500 kg Al are needed for a 100% solar PV supplied dwelling in Central Europe.
Secondly, the potential of aluminum (Al) batteries as rechargeable energy storage is underscored by their notable volumetric capacity attributed to its high density (2.7 g cm −3 at 25 °C) and its capacity to exchange three electrons, surpasses that of Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, and Zn.
Further exploration and innovation in this field are essential to broaden the range of suitable materials and unlock the full potential of aqueous aluminum-ion batteries for practical applications in energy storage. 4.
Dudita M, Farchado M, Englert A, Carbonell D, Haller M. Heat and power storage using aluminium for low and zero energy buildings. In: Proceedings CLIMA 2019 -13th REHVA World Congress, Bucharest, Romania: 2019, p. 1–6, accepted for publication. US DOE. Fuel Cell Technologies Market Report 2015. 2016.