Are lead-acid batteries a good choice for energy storage?

Lead–acid batteries have been used for energy storage in utility applications for many years but it has only been in recent years that the demand for battery energy storage has increased.

Are lead batteries sustainable?

Improvements to lead battery technology have increased cycle life both in deep and shallow cycle applications. Li-ion and other battery types used for energy storage will be discussed to show that lead batteries are technically and economically effective. The sustainability of lead batteries is superior to other battery types.

What is a lead acid battery?

Lead–acid batteries may be flooded or sealed valve-regulated (VRLA) types and the grids may be in the form of flat pasted plates or tubular plates. The various constructions have different technical performance and can be adapted to particular duty cycles. Batteries with tubular plates offer long deep cycle lives.

How much lead does a battery use?

Batteries use 85% of the lead produced worldwide and recycled lead represents 60% of total lead production. Lead–acid batteries are easily broken so that lead-containing components may be separated from plastic containers and acid, all of which can be recovered.

Are Li-ion batteries better than lead batteries?

Li-ion batteries have advantages in terms of energy density and specific energy but this is less important for static installations. The other technical features of Li-ion and other types of battery are discussed in relation to lead batteries.

How long do lead batteries last?

Lead batteries are capable of long cycle and calendar lives and have been developed in recent years to have much longer cycle lives compared to 20 years ago in conditions where the battery is not routinely returned to a fully charged condition.