Aluminium plays a crucial role in the green energy transition, serving as a key material in energy generation, transmission, and storage technologies. In 2025, energy efficiency will no longer be a buzzword companies use to greenwash their products. As time progresses, mindful energy consumption is becoming a way of life. However, cautious energy usage alone is not sufficient for energy conservation. Innovative technology for efficient energy storage can lead the way to a brighter and more sustainable future.
Aluminium’s superior properties, such as enhanced conductivity, durability, malleability, and lightweight, make it the ultimate choice for a new-age energy storage solution. So, how does aluminium carry out its role as an energy repository?
How are aluminium battery technologies lending next-gen energy storage solutions?
Lithium-ion batteries were the most popular batteries for decades until aluminium-ion batteries started gaining popularity. The latter can produce and store more energy than lithium-ion batteries, and since aluminium is abundant, it is easier to access.
The metal’s availability also makes it cheaper and more cost-effective than lithium. Moreover, aluminium is a lightweight material that reduces the battery’s weight without compromising performance. As it has become quintessential for companies to adopt the greener, more sustainable, and eco-friendlier pathway, aluminium-ion batteries play a vital role in this journey. Big brands are laying the road of aluminium-ion battery integration.
In 2018, Samsung designed an aluminium-ion battery prototype for its mobile phones. This was a step closer to integrating aluminium-ion batteries in daily life. After testing the prototype, it was found that the aluminium-ion batteries charged faster than their lithium-ion counterparts. Additionally, the battery retained 70% of its capacity after 1000 cycles. Besides making the phones lightweight, it has also resolved the common challenge customers face – long charging time.
Electric vehicle pioneer Tesla also led the way with aluminium-ion batteries in 2022. Some of the EV models integrated aluminium-ion batteries, which resulted in *40% reduced charging time and 15% higher driving range. The lightweight batteries helped reduce the vehicle’s weight and make it more energy efficient. Hence, these eco-friendly electric cars became the first choice for long trips.
Aluminium-air batteries: Achieving high energy densities
Air or wind energy is a potent renewable energy source. But when aluminium and air, precisely oxygen, come together, the resulting product is a high-end energy storage device. Here, the metal acts as an anode, and oxygen is the cathode. As the aluminium oxidises, it forms a galvanic cell and generates energy. This electrochemical process yields a high-energy-density battery with plenty of real-world applications: electric vehicles, portable electronics, medical devices, military equipment, and aerospace technology. Since aluminium is lightweight and aluminium-air batteries can store energy for longer periods, these can be used for medical devices in remote areas.
However, aluminium-air batteries are renewable and rechargeable, meaning an old battery has to be replaced with a new one. It can be considered a limitation of aluminium-air batteries. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy in one of its report’s states that aluminium-air batteries have a higher capacity to store energy, and its energy efficiency is low cycling ability. Proper disposal of used aluminium-air batteries also poses a challenge for this latest battery technology.
Worldwide-wide R&D strengthening aluminium’s role in energy storage systems:
Project REVEAL**, started in July 2022, is a noble research endeavour supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme. The research consortium, comprising nine partners from seven European countries, is on a mission to develop a technology for storing renewable energy for longer periods. The groundbreaking concept is based on aluminium as a carrier. Aluminium has excellent energy storage density, and the researchers plan to leverage this property. According to the initial plan of action, the research team will focus on producing aluminium from aluminium oxide using renewable electricity only. The idea is to store the energy in the manufactured aluminium and utilise it later.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) also did outstanding work developing aluminium anodes that expand the battery lifespan and enhance energy density. The researchers focused on optimising the composition and structure of the anodes to ensure improved ion transportation and prevent corrosion. These upgraded aluminium-based anodes had greater energy density without increment in size or weight. Additionally, their cycle life was three times more than regular lithium-ion batteries. In sectors where battery performance and longevity are imperative, such verified outcomes can be revolutionary. Industries can not only move to a cost-effective, durable, and lightweight aluminium-ion battery, but customers will also experience better results at lower costs.
In the end
Today, aluminium is widely used in various industries owing to its durability and lightweight properties. The green metal plays a significant role in technological advancements as well as ecological and sustainable practices. The new-age research and development initiatives will be a stepping stone in aluminium’s journey as an efficient and effective energy storage option. From adding a fresh perspective to aluminium production to energy retention and using aluminium energy sources in day-to-day life, there are endless possibilities for recyclable metal.
The Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025 provides in-depth insights into the evolving landscape, highlighting aluminium’s pivotal role in the green energy transition. The report explores the growing demand driven by rapid urbanization and rising global per capita GDP, offering a comprehensive perspective on market dynamics and future trends. Secure your strategic advantage with this essential analysis.
*The Future of Aluminium in Battery Technology: Enhancing Efficiency and Longevity
**Reveal Press Release