New eco-compatible energy recovery and storage methods

The energy transition in transport will largely be in favour of electric vehicles based on the progress of Li-ion batteries. More efficient storage solutions for electricity produced by intermittent sources are needed to regulate the electricity grid and to meet the time-lagged demand of generation. This requires specific specifications, cost and eco-compatibility, for societal acceptability.

Alternatives to conventional Li-ion batteries, some of which are sparse, few recycled with a potentially flammable electrolyte, need to be proposed quickly to limit the environmental impact of this technology. At the same time, the exploration of new energy production technologies must be encouraged to broaden the range of alternatives to fossil fuels.

The main objective is to propose new modes of energy production and storage, involving secure, inexpensive and environmentally friendly processes, working in particular around two sub-themes:

• Design and development of aqueous batteries, more advantageous than Li-Ion batteries (in terms of cost, storage and release of energy, power and eco-compatibility)
• Development of energy recovery techniques to limit the extraction of scarce natural resources for energy production in particular.