Energy storage

Based on cost and energy density considerations, lithium iron phosphate batteries, a subset of lithium-ion batteries, are still the preferred choice for grid-scale storage. More energy-dense chemistries for lithium-ion batteries, such as nickel cobalt aluminium (NCA) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), are popular for home energy storage and other applications where space is limited. 

Besides lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries could emerge as a breakthrough technology for stationary storage as they do not show performance degradation for 25-30 years and are capable of being sized according to energy storage needs with limited investment. In July 2022 the world’s largest vanadium redox flow battery was commissioned in China, with a capacity of 100 MW and a storage volume of 400 MWh. 

While the past decade has witnessed substantial reductions in the price of lithium-ion batteries, it is now becoming evident that further cost reductions rely not just on technological innovation, but also on the rate of increase of battery mineral prices. The leading source of lithium demand is the lithium-ion battery industry. Lithium is the backbone of lithium-ion batteries of all kinds, including lithium iron phosphate, NCA and NMC batteries. Supply of lithium therefore remains one of the most crucial elements in shaping the future decarbonisation of light passenger transport and energy storage.  

Moreover, the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are also apparent in the battery metals market. Both cathode (nickel and cobalt) and anode (graphite) materials are affected. Russia is the largest producer of battery-grade Class 1 nickel, accounting for 20% of the world’s mined supply. It is also the second and fourth largest producer of cobalt and graphite respectively.  

Ranging from mined spodumene to high-purity lithium carbonate and hydroxide, the price of every component of the lithium value chain has been surging since the start of 2021. 2022 saw the first increase in the price of lithium-ion batteries since 2010, with prices rising by 7% compared to 2021. Some relief was observed only in the first quarter of 2023.