The transition to sustainable energy sources is one of the most crucial challenges of our time. As the world moves towards decarbonization, energy storage is emerging as a pivotal technology. Recently, a panel discussion shed light on the challenges and opportunities in energy storage, particularly in the context of decarbonization and sustainability. Startups and investors shared insights on their work, highlighting the importance of repurposing second-life EV batteries for stationary storage applications.
The panel participants were:
Toine Van Megan – Auroville Consulting
Rohan Choukkar – Bharat Innovation fund
Our specialty focus areas include 
Prashant Rathee – The Energy Company
Suraj Vallamkonda – Ather Energy
Let’s delve deeper into the key takeaways from this enlightening discussion.
Repurposing Second-Life EV Batteries for Stationary Storage Applications:
One of the significant highlights of the panel discussion was the emphasis on repurposing second-life EV batteries for stationary storage applications. Startups like Nunam are focusing on enabling second-life lithium-ion batteries to transition into stationary storage applications. They aim to understand the aging of these batteries, manage associated risks, and create economic value by reusing them. Repurposing these batteries not only contributes to decarbonizing the EV value chain but also offers economic benefits to consumers.
The Complexities of Battery Manufacturing:
The discussion delved into the complexities of battery manufacturing. It was underscored that manufacturing a cell involves two key inputs: the technology, or the recipe/chemistry, needed to make the cell, and the process. The process, which includes coating and drying, demands a high level of accuracy. Challenges arise as any issue with the cell may not be apparent until a year or even a couple of years after installation. These challenges, combined with the sourcing of materials, pose significant hurdles to the widespread production of cells, especially in a country like India.
Reducing Energy Transmission Losses:
Reducing energy transmission losses emerged as a critical point of discussion. With solar power, it’s possible to have distributed generation and storage, significantly reducing transmission losses. Additionally, it was suggested that storage can happen locally, and excess storage can flow back to the overall grid. The conversation highlighted the importance of decreasing the amount of energy transmission, which, in turn, enhances efficiency and control.
Financial Viability in the Commercial Sector:
Financial viability, especially in the commercial sector, was discussed extensively. It was mentioned that the commercial sector will be the first to pick up energy storage as a backup. However, the long-term objective should focus on second-life batteries, where the return on investment (ROI) will make sense. The emphasis was on creating high-quality batteries that can offer a second life, as this will be critical for long-term ROI.
The Need for Collaborative Efforts:
Despite the challenges, there was a consensus on the importance of collaborative efforts to drive innovation and address the evolving needs of the energy storage sector. The panelists emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to overcome obstacles and drive the energy storage industry forward. It’s only through combined efforts that the sector can truly flourish.
The startups and investors shared valuable insights into the complexities of battery manufacturing, the importance of repurposing second-life EV batteries, reducing energy transmission losses, and ensuring financial viability, especially in the commercial sector. Despite the challenges, there is a shared vision of collaboration to drive innovation and address the evolving needs of the energy storage sector. It’s evident that the future of energy storage will depend on concerted efforts and innovative solutions to navigate the challenges and unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.
