Analysts predict a high-growth future for lead batteries – a technology necessary for a decarbonised future

Newly-elected Chairman of the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI), Dr. Christian Rosenkranz outlines a positive future for lead batteries.

Lead batteries will enable a low carbon future. Market analysts, Avicenne Energy predict the lead battery market to increase by 61,000 MWh between 2025 and 2030. We need to see a huge uplift in rechargeable battery energy storage if countries are to get anywhere near the global targets for reducing carbon emissions. Increased demand for battery energy storage, more vehicle electrification and hybridisation, and wider integration of renewables are all drivers for this expansion.

Global demand for battery energy storage is predicted to grow to 20,000 MWh by 2025. As Europe seeks to move away from fossil fuels, battery energy storage will play an increased role in decarbonising the economy. Lead batteries are one of two technologies with the capability to meet this demand.

Lead batteries balance power grids and save surplus energy. They present a reliable means of improving energy efficiency and integrating more renewable energy sources into electricity systems. Lead batteries dominate this Uninterrupted Power Supply battery market, with a 7.5 GWh increase predicted between 2015 and 2030. As Europe looks to achieve the goals set out in the Paris agreement, a range of technologies will be needed. Lead batteries and their role in enabling Europe’s green growth need to be recognised.

Lead batteries enable clean mobility in start-stop and micro-hybrid vehicles. These cleaner vehicles, which utilise advanced 12V batteries (lead batteries) for vital on-board functions and start-stop functionality, deliver up to 10% in fuel savings and reductions in carbon emissions. Clarios predicts that the global demand for 12V battery technology will increase by 236 million batteries by 2040 – an increase of 63% in 20 years. With vehicles representing more than 30% of final energy consumption in Europe, the transition to an energy-efficient, decarbonised transport sector is central to achieving its climate change targets.

I have recently been elected Chairman of the Consortium for Battery Innovation. CBI is the only global pre-competitive research organisation funding innovation in lead batteries for energy storage and automotive applications. The pre-competitive research conducted by CBI opens up new pathways for enhancing lead battery performance. Key priority goals include improving battery cycle life to ensure high-performing technical ability to provide power for energy storage, and increasing the dynamic charge acceptance for batteries in low-emission vehicles. The advances in lead battery research will only serve to improve their ability to meet Europe’s needs.

Lead batteries go hand in hand with a decarbonised future, and that future looks bright.

Read more for the outlook for lead batteries in 2021.

Sign up to receive news and views like this straight to your inbox or tell us your own by getting in touch here.