Batteries are indispensable for the transition to clean energy. When the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, we generate a lot of energy, which cannot always be used immediately. When there is less supply, we preferably don't switch back to gray electricity. Batteries that store green energy can be part of a solution.
Batteries are not only required for the storage of clean energy, but also for other applications, such as for mobile electronics and human implants. The current generation of batteries – such as the lithium-ion battery - uses many scarce, rare metals, such as cobalt and lithium. The extraction of those materials has a major impact on the environment. We heavily depend on China and other countries for these raw materials. The battery of the future is durable, safe, stores a lot of energy and increases our autonomy.
Scientists are looking for all kinds of alternatives. For example, it is possible to make batteries with materials that can be found everywhere, such as iron, sand, salt, calcium or magnesium. Or with water and air.