Energy storage is a key factor in the efficient use of renewable energy and the battle against climate change. Each year, countries around the world invest heavily in enhancing their energy systems and structures, and Norway is also actively participating in this global effort. In Norway, where the cost of electricity ranges from 1-2 Kr/kWh, the price of energy storage devices can skyrocket to 1500 Kr/kWh based on lithium-ion batteries. This huge difference highlights the urgent need for more affordable energy storage solutions, which would, in turn, increase the viability of renewable energy sources. Our project is dedicated to addressing this issue by developing low-cost energy storage devices using earth abundance materials. The main goal of our project is to create affordable energy storage devices. By doing so, we aim to enhance existing energy storage methods in a way that’s friendly to our planet, helping the world shift towards cleaner energy sources. We envision a future where energy storage is not just cost-effective, but also kind to the environment.
According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), plants worldwide generate an estimated 104.9 gigatons of carbon resources annually through processes such as photosynthesis. This massive potential in plant biomass is the reason why our project focuses on biomass materials like trees, grass, and nutshells. Additionally, Sodium (Na) has similar chemical properties to Lithium (abundance: ~0.002%) and is the sixth most abundant element in Earth’s crust, making up about 2.6~3.0%. Therefore, by combining biomass-derived carbon materials and Na-based electrolyte leveraging the abundance of sea salt allows us to create sodium-based hybrid supercapacitors, a new kind of low-cost energy storage devices that harnesses the power of renewable resources.
Our process starts with converting biomass materials into activated carbon and hard carbon. At the same time, we are working to improve and make the production process more cost-effective. The selection of biomass materials is strategic, ensuring they are readily available and sustainable. Local biomass (such as trees, grass, and nutshells) will serve as the foundation for our energy storage innovation. Through a transformation process, these biomass materials evolve into activated carbon and hard carbon, providing the necessary electrode materials for our sodium-based hybrid supercapacitors.
If our research proves successful, the energy storage device we create—known as the sodium-based hybrid supercapacitor—will be economical, environmentally friendly, and recyclable. Importantly, we are hopeful that the cost will drop to 800 Kr/kWh, making it a more budget-friendly choice for sustainable energy. This projected cost reduction is a game-changer, potentially transforming the landscape of energy storage and making it more accessible to a broader audience.
To maximize the impact of our project, it is crucial that we collaborate closely with local businesses. We are actively seeking new research opportunities and considering conducting a pilot study to evaluate the practicality of our ideas. Collaborating with local enterprises is an integral part of our strategy, aiming to turn our research findings into practical applications. These partnerships will not only help us refine our solutions but also accelerate the adoption of our sodium-based hybrid supercapacitors in real-world scenarios.
In conclusion, energy storage is not merely a technical challenge; it is a vital step towards a greener future. Our project serves as a roadmap, demonstrating how to create affordable and efficient energy storage using readily available materials. If successful, it will not only result in financial savings but also contribute to environmental preservation. The journey towards a sustainable energy future is exciting, and our project is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformative endeavor.