eFuels vs. batteries - a comparison of storage solutions
eFuels vs. batteries - a comparison of storage solutions
Which technology is the right one for a sustainable energy transition?
The energy transition raises key questions: How can we ensure that this energy is available even when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing ?
Storing renewable energy is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The key to the efficient use of renewable energy lies in using available technologies specifically for the right applications. But which solution is suitable for what?
Table of contents
The global energy problem - wasting renewable energy
Worldwide, a significant proportion of the renewable energy generated is not used. Surplus energyoften cannot be stored or distributed and is therefore lost. Andrew Moore, independent scientist and biochemist, emphasizes that this waste represents enormous untapped potential that urgently needs to be exploited.
It is not uncommon for energy generation from wind and solar power to have to be throttled temporarily because the grid cannot absorb the excess energy or the demand from consumers is sufficiently high.
The challenge of energy storage
Batteries have become an integral part of our everyday lives. They store energy for our smartphones, laptops, cordless screwdrivers, e-bikes and much more. However, when it comes to storing large amounts of energy for the power grid, batteries reach their limits:
Limited capacity
Scaling batteries to store entire power grids is technically complex and costly.
Environmental impact
The production of batteries requires metals and minerals, the mining and processing of which is harmful to the environment.
Service life
Batteries have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced regularly, which consumes additional resources and generates toxic by-products.
eFuels - A sustainable alternative
The advantages of eFuels: eFuels offer a completely different approach: they store surplus renewable energy in liquid or gaseous form. These synthetic fuels are Long-term storable, easy to transport and versatile in use.
Long-term storage
eFuels remain stable for months or years without any loss of energy.
Existing infrastructure
They can be used in the existing infrastructure for fossil fuels.
Existing compatibility
Vehicles and heating systems with combustion engines can use eFuels without technical modifications.
Environmentally friendly production
The closed carbon cycle ensures sustainable energy use.
The right technology for the right purpose
The question is not whether batteries or eFuels are better, but which technology is suitable for which application.
Batteries:
- Cars and vans that cover relatively high mileages and/or are equipped with appropriate hybrid drives (electric motor paired with combustion engine).
- Applications with immediate and constant energy requirements, e.g. households with solar power.
eFuels:
- Applications where range and weight are crucial.
- Sectors that require long-term energy storage.
- Industry: Use as a raw material and energy source in industrial processes.
- Heat supply: Use in heating systems and combined heat and power plants.
The future of the energy transition lies in the combination of both technologies, which can ideally complement each other.
Expert opinion - Andrew Moore
Andrew Moore, with degrees from Cambridge University and extensive experience in scientific organizations, is an independent scientist working intensively on sustainable energy systems.
His core messages:
Relativization of batteries
Potential of eFuels:
Moore points out the ecological and health effects of battery technology, in particular due to the extraction of raw materials and the disposal problem.
He sees eFuels as a practicable and environmentally friendly solution to master the challenges of energy storage.Holistic approach:
Sustainability must be considered over the entire life cycle of a technology, from production to use and disposal.
Conclusion: eFuels as the key to efficient energy storage
The storage of renewable energy is a key element for the success of the energy transition. While batteries are indispensable in certain areas, eFuels offer a promising alternative for the long-term storage and use of surplus energy.
The combination of both technologies, adapted to the respective requirements, could be the key to a sustainable and efficient energy system.
Source reference:
Moore, A. (2024), https://andrewmoorescientist.com/1-speicherbare-energie/
Newsletter subscription
Notes on data protection
Our free newsletter informs you regularly by e-mail about product news and special promotions. The data you enter here will only be used to personalize the newsletter and will not be passed on to third parties. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter or revoke your consent at any time by emailing . Your data will be deleted within 2 months after termination of the newsletter receipt, provided that the deletion does not conflict with any legal retention obligations. By sending the data you have entered, you consent to the data processing and confirm our privacy policy.
