Rocky Mountain Institute in Basalt Colorado plays an important role in energy research with emphasis on profitable innovations. Its 2019 report titled Breakthrough Batteries confirms these are poised to fast-track global energy transition. And this will have a vital role in managing climate change too.
Huge Battery Investments in Rocky Mountain Institute Report
The Institute reports $1.4 billion sunk into battery research thus far this year. This, and additional manufacturing resources should radically change global energy systems within a decade.
The Rocky Mountain Institute breakthrough batteries report notes how performance gains and cost reductions are running ahead of earlier predictions. It says increasing electric vehicle demand and other emerging battery applications are fast-tracking investment. This is spiraling though in terms of economic benefits, and materializing in $150 billion manufacturing investment through to 2023.
New Battery Technologies Replacing Fossil Fuel Chain
The Institute forecasts solid-state zinc-alkaline, lithium-metal, and lithium-sulfur batteries challenging lithium-ion for supremacy in transport. Moreover, zinc-based, flow, and high-temperature technologies will enable storage to transition the world from fossil fuel.
There will consequently be a continuing shift away from natural gas plants. Moreover, electric heavy-duty vehicles and short-haul airplane flights will become part of the new normal.
Therefore, for these and other reasons Rocky Mountain Institute predicts a new energy system sooner, thanks to breakthrough battery technologies. We therefore stand before an opportunity to speed the transition to a cooler climate through renewable energy. However, the Institute warns this will require a new form of holistic cooperation between private and public role players.
The report suggests strategies to speed implementation of this vision on a global scale. New breakthrough battery technology therefore presents the first practical opportunity to move away from fossil and nuclear power.
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Preview Image: Terrain near Basalt, Colorado (Town of Basalt)
