Columbia focus on energy storage

Why is energy storage important?

A crucial factor motivating these safety improvements — and the broader focus on developing energy storage solutions more generally — has been the realization that energy storage is a necessary component in scaling up clean energy solutions to power society.

How can energy storage be used to decarbonize the electrical grid?

Renewable energy is limited by its intermittency, as its supply may fluctuate based on weather and location. Innovative energy storage technologies are required to decarbonize the electrical grid with stability. Both batteries and dense energy carriers have attracted vast research efforts as options for large-scale energy storage.

Does Columbia technology ventures have a conflict of interest?

The authors declare no financial or other conflicts of interest. They have filed a provisional patent through Columbia Technology Ventures. Columbia Engineers develop new powerful battery "fuel" -- an electrolyte that not only lasts longer but is also cheaper to produce.

Are batteries the future of energy storage?

Developments in batteries and other energy storage technology have accelerated to a seemingly head-spinning pace recently — even for the scientists, investors, and business leaders at the forefront of the industry. After all, just two decades ago, batteries were widely believed to be destined for use only in small objects like laptops and watches.

Are flow batteries the future of energy storage?

Both batteries and dense energy carriers have attracted vast research efforts as options for large-scale energy storage. With high scalability potential and long discharge times, flow batteries, where energy is stored in the form of redox active species, can be promising.