Sustainable energy storage for solar home systems in rural Sub-Saharan Africa – A comparative examination of lifecycle aspects of battery technologies for circular economy, with emphasis on the South African context. (1st January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charles, Rhys G.; Davies, Matthew L.; Douglas, Peter; Hallin, Ingrid L.; Mabbett, Ian
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 166(2019)
• Page Start: 1207
• Page End: 1215
• Publication Date: 2019-01-01
• Subjects: Solar energy -- Batteries -- Circular economy -- Critical materials -- Africa -- End-of-life; AHIB aqueous hybrid ion batteries -- CRMs critical raw materials -- DoD depth of discharge -- GWP global warming potential -- LIBs Li-ion batteries -- LFYP lithium-iron-yttrium-phosphate batteries -- PV photovoltaic -- SSA Sub Saharan Africa -- VRLA valve regulated Pb-acid batteries; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.10.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Photovoltaics (PV) are increasingly important for electrification in rural Sub-Saharan Africa, but what is the best battery technology to use? To explore this question, a small-scale domestic PV system for South Africa (20-year lifetime) to deliver 1.42 kWh electricity from batteries overnight with 10-h discharge was costed with various Li-ion, Pb-acid and Aquion aqueous hybrid ion batteries (AHIBs). Environmental impact; compatibility with circular economy; potential for cost-reduction through lifetime extension; and valorisation of batteries at end-of-life is discussed. Batteries are 81–93% of system costs, and battery production required over the system lifetime would emit 743, 674 and 6060 kg CO2-eq (Pb-acid, Li-ion and AHIBs respectively). Hazardous materials in Li-ion and Pb-acid batteries pose risks at end-of-life. Li-ion and AHIBs face potential resource supply constraints due to use of Co, Li and graphite. Closed-loop recycling and refurbishment of Pb-acid batteries is well established in South Africa. Currently, no African facilities for Li-ion or AHIB recycling exist, with little opportunity to retain material value from these batteries within the region. Despite lower efficiencies and shorter lifetimes, Pb-acid batteries, which are readily available from domestic manufacturing at low cost, are the current best choice for sustainable small-scale domestic PV systems in South Africa.