Will a new energy storage system replace lithium-ion batteries at APAC data centers?

APAC data center operator Digital Edge has developed a new energy storage system to replace lithium-ion batteries at its data centers.

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) stabilize the electrical grid, ensuring a steady flow of power to homes and businesses regardless of fluctuations from varied energy sources or other disruptions. However, fires at some BESS installations have caused concern in communities considering BESS as a method to support their grids.

Can a lithium ion battery replace cobalt?

A lithium-ion battery uses cobalt at the anode, which has proven difficult to source. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries could remedy this problem by using sulfur as the cathodic material instead. In addition to replacing cobalt, Li-S batteries offer a few advantages, namely higher energy density and lower production costs.

Are lithium ion batteries sustainable?

Yes, lithium-ion batteries are currently produced in an environmentally unsustainable manner due to unethical mining, low recycling rates, and other factors. How long do lithium-ion batteries last? Lithium-ion batteries typically last for half a decade or 800-1,000 charge cycles after which you may notice significant performance degradation.

Can lithium-ion batteries be recycled?

Yes, lithium-ion batteries contain valuable metals like cobalt and nickel that can be extracted during recycling. However, they need to be properly handled so very little effort goes into recycling them. Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles today, but safer and better alternatives are on the horizon.

Is graphene a viable lithium-ion battery alternative?

We’ve seen a lot of buzz surrounding graphene as a lithium-ion battery alternative, but commercial products remain unviable for now. Its cost is perhaps the biggest reason why the industry hasn’t embraced it yet. At over $60,000 per metric ton, graphene is currently only used in very small amounts.