Expert discusses energy storage and international collaboration

In a recent interview on the sidelines of the World Laureates Forum, CGTN Anchor Guan Xin spoke to renowned energy expert Yulong Ding FREng, Founding Chamberlain Professor of Chemical Engineering at University of Birmingham in the UK. Ding shed light on the progress and potential of energy storage in a net zero carbon energy future, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change.

Ding highlighted the three forms of energy storage needed for different durations. Short-term storage, such as batteries, provides high power but low capacity and is suitable for multiple cycles a day. Medium-term storage, which has seen less development, is crucial for durations ranging from a couple of hours to a couple of months. Long-term storage, mainly for energy security purposes, is used once or twice a year and requires significant infrastructure investment.

Regarding mobilizing government investment and private capital to accelerate the transition, Ding emphasized the need for fair policies and investment distribution across different storage technologies. He suggested that while short-term storage, driven by electric vehicles and mobile power, has received significant investment, more focus should be placed on medium-term storage. Additionally, he stressed the importance of considering storage technologies beyond electrical energy, such as heat, cold, and hydrogen, which play a vital role in meeting final energy consumption needs.

International collaboration was identified as crucial in addressing global challenges. Ding expressed optimism about the collaboration, despite geopolitical issues, and emphasized the growing demand for joint efforts in tackling climate change.