Institution news
Q: Please can you briefly explain your role and involvement with battery energy storage?
John Fox (JF): My role as business development director at AMTE Power is to develop the business’ commercial and strategic relationships within the automotive and energy storage sectors, as we work with industry to power the clean energy transition.
As a battery cell manufacturer, AMTE Power’s product is central to energy systems – we develop cells for use in stationary storage systems, using traditional lithium-ion chemistry as well as developing a range of sodium-ion based solutions.
Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge in the battery energy storage industry and how do you think it could be overcome?
JF: Demand for energy storage solutions is increasing, including for use in electric vehicles as that market evolves. To meet demand, the sector must continue to innovate and there is a need for collaboration between the government and renewable operators. There must be a collective understanding of the role that energy storage plays in driving the net-zero transition, boosting domestic clean power and supporting the UK’s energy resilience.
Q: What are the most exciting developments in battery energy storage at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general?
JF: There are more technologies and chemistries coming to market and we’re seeing alternatives to lithium-based cells gain traction. At AMTE Power we’re developing high-quality sodium ion cell technology which offers real opportunities for the battery energy storage sector.
Q: What would you say is the technology to watch in the industry at the moment?
JF: AMTE Power’s sodium-ion cell technology offers cost, safety and performance benefits over some existing lithium-based solutions. It is much easier to find and extract as a material, resulting in lower manufacturing costs, and it can support demand for greater production rates. This technology promises to be a viable alternative for the ESS market and there is a huge potential for growth here.
Q: Where do you see the future of battery energy storage technology in the next five to ten years?
JF: The storage of renewable energy is central to the net zero transition – a key focus for the next ten years. We can expect storage solutions to continue to evolve, new technologies to be introduced and adopted, and battery storage to match energy demand and play an integral role in on- and off-grid solutions.
Q: Why do you feel it is important for engineers and professionals involved in these technologies to join this event?
JF: Great product design is only part of the solution – cross-industry collaboration, strong supply chains and strategic partnerships will be important in meeting demand for energy storage and powering the net-zero transition.
Battery Energy Storage 2022 will be taking place on 24 May at One Birdcage Walk in London.
Join this seminar to:
- Gain insight into government and industry support for battery energy storage and plans to develop the technology further to increase grid flexibility
- Discuss current and future demand for energy storage in the UK and battery energy storage’s role in future energy systems in order to plan your energy storage strategies
- Learn about the cutting-edge developments in stationary battery energy storage chemistries and materials to increase capacities and capabilities of your own systems
- Hear lessons learned from the latest battery energy storage projects and applications to take back to your organisation
- Be a part of a discussion around the future of energy storage covering supply chain, investment and capacity challenges
To book your place, please visit the event website.