BLUF
An Australian idea could revolutionise the global battery market.Summary
A chat with friends on a verandah has led to creating a multi-million dollar company that could revolutionise battery technology. Although the idea of zinc-bromide batteries has been around since the 19th century, a British-Australian battery tech company called Gelion has found a way to make the technology cheaper to produce and more effective than other options on the market. Key points:
Professor Thomas Maschmeyer formed the company at the University of Sydney.
Gelion is preparing to ramp up production of its zinc-bromide ‘Endure’ batteries.
The creators claim these batteries will help decarbonise the electricity market and slash surplus renewable energy costs.
Two of the major benefits of zinc-bromide batteries are their inability to catch fire and suitability for harsher climates.
While batteries using a zinc-bromide combination were patented in 1889, it took innovative modern chemistry to develop the materials into a safer, longer-lasting, and potentially cheaper gel than existing alternatives, such as lithium-ion storage.
The Australian Energy Market Commission’s report, released in November 2021, said the biggest driver of price falls over the next three years would come from cheaper power sources such as wind and solar projects.
Professor Maschmeyer is also working on a project to make lithium batteries safer, more energy-dense and more useful to the electric vehicle and electric aviation sectors.
References
Sep 2021 ABC Australia Storage battery production to create renewable energy solution and jobs in Sydney's west
Nov 2021 The Guardian ‘Real beacon’: Australian company developing zinc-bromide battery technology lists for $285m
Nov 2021 PV Magazine Zinc-bromide battery for stationary energy storage from Australia
