On this episode of Clean Power Hour, we dive deep into the world of zinc-ion energy storage. Our guest is Ryan Brown, CEO and co-founder of Salient Energy, a Canadian company that is betting on the unique properties of water-based zinc-ion batteries. Zinc is a commodity that is produced at ten times the volume of Lithium in the global economy, so it could play a critical role in helping the US achieve the estimated six terawatt-hours of storage needed for a clean grid by 2050. Water-based Zinc batteries also have no thermal runaway concerns that have plagued Lithium batteries.
If Brown is right, the water-based Zinc-ion chemistry that Salient is pursuing has equal energy density (power footprint), cycle lifetime, and a lower carbon footprint than the Lithium alternative. Salient is going to market with a residential storage solution but has ambitions to tackle the Utility Scale ESS market.
In this episode, we unravel the story behind Ryan Brown's passion for energy storage and how it led to the birth of Salient Energy. We ask, if Zinc is such a good storage medium, why isn’t Elon Musk going after Zinc storage? Listen, and you’ll see that Brown has an astute analysis of Tesla’s business model which explains the all-in approach they are taking to Lithium batteries.
We discuss the factors that influence the choice between Lithium Ion and Zinc batteries. Hopefully, you’ll gain insight into the advantages and key differences between Zinc and Lithium for stationary storage and the immense potential that Zinc batteries hold for a sustainable future.
Discover how battery energy storage is transforming the residential landscape, empowering homeowners to harness clean energy and increase their energy independence.
Key Takeaways:
Ryan Brown's Journey into Energy Storage
The Birth of Salient Energy.
Salient Energy's Vision and Strategy for Disrupting the Battery Storage Market
Why isn’t Elon Musk doing Zinc batteries?
Lithium Ion vs. Zinc: Unraveling the Key Differences
How Zinc Batteries are Unleashing the Potential in Residential Clean Energy
The Future of Battery Energy: Trends and Transformations
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Ryan Brown, Revolutionizing Battery Storage with Zinc-ion ESS | Ep 148