Molten salt and human sweat: the weird batteries that could store renewable energy
Researchers are exploring innovative energy storage solutions, including molten salt and small-scale batteries, to support renewable energy grids. These technologies aim to reduce reliance on critical minerals like lithium and cobalt.
Why it matters
Diversifying energy storage technology is essential for scaling renewable energy and overcoming supply chain constraints for traditional battery materials.
The Crescent Dunes project in the Nevada desert harnesses the sun’s power to heat a reservoir of potassium and sodium nitrate to 560C. Photograph: UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images The Crescent Dunes project in the Nevada desert harnesses the sun’s power to heat a reservoir of potassium and sodium nitrate to 560C. Photograph: UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images Renewable energy Molten salt and human sweat: the weird batteries that could store renewable energy From Nevada to Manchester, developers are trialling innovative solutions to clean energy’s biggest challenge
Prefer the Guardian on Google In the deserts of the United Arab Emirates a sprawling clean energy project , stretching across an area roughly the size of 12,600 football fields, will play host to a breakthrough allowing solar energy to power the equivalent of half a million homes through the night.
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