CSIRO aims to create “revolution” in energy storage, looking beyond current tech

The CSIRO says it wants to kickstart a “revolution” in battery storage technologies that it says could be key to identifying new innovations that could support renewable energy to replace fossil fuels.

The CSIRO announced on Friday that $50 million in funding would be shared across four new Future Science Platforms, that includes energy storage and the goal to deliver EV battery charging as fast as fossil fuels, and long duration storage than can “mimic” pumped hydro.

“Unlocking the secret to efficient and safe energy storage could see us charge electric vehicles as easily as we now fill our petrol tanks, or keep portable our devices charged for many days without the need for a top up,” Best said.

“On a larger scale, it could even be mimicking pumped hydro through new technology and making it more responsive to the needs of the grid.”

The CSIRO said the program was designed to “push the boundaries” of technology innovation and to support collaboration between Australian research institutions and industry.

Best told RenewEconomy that the initiative would be investigating potential energy storage technologies outside those currently in the energy system – looking beyond established technologies like lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries to see “what comes next”.

Such technologies could include quantum batteries, with the ability to be recharged within seconds, but provide power for weeks, and other technologies that may be inspired by nature, with the ability to ‘mimic’ existing technologies.

The CSIRO will also establish a new “Permanent Carbon Locking” research platform, that will support research into the removal of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere and how they can be permanently stored.

Dr Andrew Lenton, who will serve as the director of the new ‘carbon locking’ research group, said research into carbon removals would become increasingly necessary.

“If we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, breakthroughs and innovation in permanent carbon removal from the atmosphere is needed,” Dr Lenton said.

“The future science and capability developed in this FSP have the potential to underpin new industries and reshape existing industries for Australia and beyond, with CSIRO’s science at the centre.”