Shift in Chemistries Within Batteries

Our Engineering Director, Neville Wood’s review on the large shift in the type of chemistries used for the cathode material within Li-ion batteries for large scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS);

The traditional go-to has always been Lithium, Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt (NMC) for the cathode material. However, over the last 6 months Incite Energy is seeing a shift to Lithium- phosphate (LFP) by the majority of battery manufacturer’s for large scale grid tied BESS.

Whilst this shift has been driven predominantly by the higher temperature threshold of LFP for thermal runaway (proven when testing the batteries to UL9540a certification), there are a number of other advantages that are coming into play, namely:

More stable at higher temperatures (more suitable for Australian conditions up to 50deg ambient)

1. Wider temperature operational range
2. No reefer container required for shipping / transport to site over long distances (and the inherent safety risks associated with this)
3. Easier to recycle

Incite Energy’s take is that whilst NMC still has a role to play in the industry due to its lesser degradation in the first 6 months of operation, LFP will continue to gain ground due to its safety (thermal runaway) and sustainability (recyclable) advantages.