Long-lasting batteries are becoming a winner in the artificial intelligence game, according to Chemical Engineering News. That’s because there’s a big difference between short-term grid support, and long duration battery storage.
Artificial Intelligence Take on Battery Storage
Artificial intelligence is in a different world. That’s because AI demands open-ended energy, and instantaneous reinstatement only possible through advanced battery storage.
The world’s biggest batteries for next-gen AI data centers, could soon be beyond the reach of current battery chemistries. That’s because these are only able to provide cover for a few hours.
Chemical & Engineering News views this an early call for longer duration battery storage. Contender technologies include carbon dioxide that stores energy by converting gas to a liquid form, and vanadium flow batteries.
Yet, the uptake of long duration energy is slow despite this opportunity, and hardly represents 10% of growing demand. This could be because utilities have long-term commitments to lithium-ion battery operators.
Data Centers Need Long Duration Plus Speed
Utility grids must frequently use their batteries to cover their cost. This discourages long-duration storage. Artificial intelligence roll-out depends on building data centers quickly.
Chemical Engineering News suggests that data centers could move forward with independent long duration battery storage projects. But they would need to convince utilities they have sufficient capacity, so as not to call on them for emergency bulk power.
More Information
Long Duration Storage Batteries in Perspective
Artificial Intelligence Studying New Materials
