US company Alsym Energy, a developer of non-lithium rechargeable battery technology, has successfully developed what it believes to be the industry’s first high-performance, non-flammable battery storage technology suitable for warmer climates.
The company believes that expensive, fire-prone battery technologies are serious impediments to ambitious plans for rapid growth in several markets. With similar system-level capacities to lithium-ion and the ability to operate at elevated temperatures, Alsym batteries are considered safe to use in any environment. Alsym batteries are said to cost less than lithium-ion and require less cooling equipment, significantly increasing system efficiency and lowering both acquisition and operating costs.
Alsym CEO and Co-Founder Mukesh Chatter said: “When it comes to lithium-ion batteries, the level of fire risk increases as the mercury rises. Recent battery storage fires in Australia, France, and the United States have required evacuations and shelter-in-place orders, and some cities are considering significant restrictions and even bans. We need to be looking beyond lithium-ion if we’re going to safely and responsibly deploy the amount of battery storage necessary to make a full transition to renewables.”
Alsym advisor Dr Peter H Diamandis said: “The Alsym team has developed an entirely new battery technology that’s ideally suited to the needs of a rapidly changing climate. This is the kind of innovative thinking that will help accelerate the pace of global decarbonisation. Low-cost renewable energy, paired with non-flammable storage, will substantially help countries around the world reduce greenhouse gas emissions and spur new interest from power-intensive industries such as automotive, aerospace, green hydrogen, chemicals, and metals.”
