Car batteries repurposed for national grid storage

author: FutureCar Staff    

The UK's largest carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has revealed plans to repurpose old car batteries to store excess energy that the national grid cannot utilize and return it during peak times. This initiative aims to create one of the largest energy storage systems in the country.

Battery storage is essential for holding surplus power generated during off-peak periods when there is an imbalance between the electricity supply (e.g., from wind farms) and energy demand. This stored power can then be released back into the grid when needed.

JLR's battery scheme is projected to provide enough batteries to power 750 homes for a day, equivalent to 7.5 megawatt hours of energy, by the end of this year.

According to JLR, electric car batteries can be reused due to their high standards, even after they no longer meet the stringent requirements of an electric vehicle. Typically, these batteries retain 70% to 80% residual capacity.

The used batteries will be stored in containers located at the Chelveston renewable energy park in Northamptonshire. JLR also mentioned the potential to expand the program by creating additional containers to accommodate more used batteries in the future.

Furthermore, JLR stated that there is potential for further utilization of used batteries in the coming years. A 2019 McKinsey report estimated that the annual supply of used batteries for energy storage could exceed 200 gigawatt-hours by 2030, with a global value of over $30 billion (£23.5 billion).

Energy storage is seen as a solution to the challenge of renewable electricity being generated but not effectively utilized due to constraints in transferring it from the point of generation to where it is needed.

This announcement highlights the fact that electric vehicle (EV) batteries often outlast the vehicles themselves. Even when no longer suitable for cars, these batteries can find new applications elsewhere. Colin Walker, head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, emphasized that most of the metals in EV batteries can be recycled, with only 30kg lost after recycling. In contrast, a petrol car irretrievably burns 17,000 liters of fuel by the end of its life.

FutureCar Staff