High-capacity batteries are poised to prevent power cuts and sustain supply chains as fossil fuels are phased out.
- A recent report highlights the need for energy storage to back the electrification of road transport in the UK.
- Connected Energy warns about insufficient grid capacity affecting electric truck deployment.
- Solid-state batteries and alternative fuels like hydrogen gain traction among industry operators.
- The UK’s strategic advisory group aims to power the nation’s transport sector towards net zero.
The transition from fossil fuels to electric energy sources is gaining momentum, with high-capacity batteries identified as a key solution to preventing power disruptions and maintaining continuous supply chains. A recent report underscores the necessity of storing substantial energy to support the electrification of the UK road transport sector, particularly as traditional fossil fuels are phased out. The challenge lies in developing batteries with sufficient capacity to power large-scale operations, from industrial sites to entire cities.
The enthusiasm for energy storage solutions is evident as Toyota Material Handling (UK) raises concerns about grid capacity issues. Connected Energy’s warning echoes the urgency; the current grid is ill-prepared to support the demands of high-capacity electric vehicle (EV) chargers, especially those required for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). This capacity limitation threatens the broader adoption of electric trucks, a critical component in the shift towards sustainable transport.
High-capacity batteries, capable of sustaining electric vehicle operations even with brief charging periods, represent a promising development. Toyota’s report on logistics trends for 2024 notes optimism around solid-state batteries, which boast energy densities up to ten times greater than conventional lithium-ion units. These advancements are crucial for storing energy from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, ensuring a stable electricity supply even under adverse weather conditions.
Alternative fuel sources such as hydrotreated vegetable oil and hydrogen technology are generating interest among logistics operators. For instance, hydrogen fuel cells offer significant advantages for forklift trucks by facilitating rapid refuelling, enabling emissions-free operations.
The establishment of a strategic advisory group by the UK’s net-zero transport council marks a concerted effort to transition the transport sector towards sustainable energy solutions. The group aims to provide evidence and recommendations for the national roadmap to net zero, underscoring the importance of securing battery supply chains which have become as critical as steel acquisition was during the 1940s.
The momentum towards sustainable energy solutions for the transport sector is clear, but challenges remain in grid capacity and technology adoption.
