Emerging technologies in fields ranging from aerospace to thermonuclear power are creating a surging demand for energy storage solutions that go beyond the limitations of existing batteries.
A recent study by Zhar Research indicates that battery-free storage technologies could become crucial for next-generation applications such as laser weaponry, medical pulse technologies and hydrogen-powered trains, which require higher pulse power, minimal self-leakage and longer life cycles than current batteries can provide.
Battery-free storage methods — such as lifting weights, compressing gases and supercapacitor derivatives — are on a trajectory far beyond the current $25 billion market for pumped hydro grid storage and the $4 billion supercapacitor sector.
These new solutions offer up to 100 times the power density, zero self-leakage and significantly lower levelised cost of storage (LCOS), all while being non-flammable and posing no toxicity or scarcity risks.
Flipping the switch
The report also explored the concept of storage elimination technologies, especially for 6G communications and IoT applications.
Such technologies power devices only when activated, reducing the need for constant energy storage.
These storage elimination methods are particularly suitable for Wireless Sensor Network nodes, which now require only minimal energy input thanks to advances in ultra-low-power electronics.
According to Zhar Research, the lithium-ion battery market is projected to plateau at around US$330 billion by 2044.
This is due to the emergence of new battery technologies and a decline in traditional applications, coupled with the inability of lithium-ion batteries to meet the needs of burgeoning battery-free markets.
Meanwhile, the market for battery-free storage and storage elimination technology is expected to reach approximately $230 billion, exhibiting rapid growth in the next two decades.
The study concludes that the focus should be on potential market gaps, acquisition targets and partnerships for creating multi-billion-dollar hardware businesses in this emerging field.