MBZUAI researchers are developing an AI-driven energy management system that optimizes ice battery technology for cooling in hot climates. The system stores energy as frozen water during times of energy surplus and uses it to cool buildings when demand peaks. The AI model integrates multimodal data from weather forecasts, environmental sensors, and power grid signals to determine when to store or release thermal energy. Why it matters: This approach promises to reduce fossil fuel dependence and lower energy costs while improving cooling performance in regions like the UAE.
KAUST and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) are collaborating to develop low-cost sodium-ion battery technology using fly ash, a waste material from burning fossil fuels. Researchers are purifying fly ash and using thermal treatment to engineer its structure for use as carbon electrodes in batteries. The resulting carbon electrode material is competitive with existing market products and can be used for other applications. Why it matters: This research offers a sustainable approach to energy storage by repurposing waste materials, potentially enabling cheaper and more environmentally friendly grid-scale energy storage for renewable energy sources.
KAUST researchers found that sulfate ions reduce free water in aqueous batteries, mitigating parasitic reactions that degrade the anode and shorten battery life. Adding zinc sulfate increased battery lifespan by more than ten times. Sulfate salts stabilize the bonds of free water, acting as a "water glue" to reduce parasitic reactions. Why it matters: This finding provides a cheap and scalable approach to improve the viability of aqueous batteries for sustainable energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) hosted a seminar on rechargeable hydrogen gas batteries. Professor Wei Chen from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) presented the seminar. The talk covered aqueous nickel-hydrogen gas, proton-hydrogen gas, halogen-hydrogen gas, and nonaqueous lithium-hydrogen gas batteries, along with applications like self-charging batteries. Why it matters: Hydrogen gas batteries represent a promising avenue for large-scale energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources into electric grids.
KAUST and Aramco are partnering to develop extreme temperature-resilient batteries for subsurface applications and the hot climate of Saudi Arabia. The new batteries aim to operate effectively from subzero to 130°C, addressing the limitations of traditional lithium-based batteries that degrade above 60°C. KAUST is focusing on identifying electrolytes and separators that can endure high temperatures, while Aramco provides operational expertise. Why it matters: This collaboration could lead to significant cost savings in the energy sector, improve battery performance in EVs and grid systems, and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in advanced battery technology for extreme environments.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) is hosting a webinar on grid-scale energy storage. The talk will cover the evolution of grid-scale energy storage over the past 15 years, highlighting major drivers in KSA and internationally. Dr. Marek Kubik, Director of BESS at NEOM, will be the speaker. Why it matters: This event signals the growing importance of energy storage solutions in Saudi Arabia's renewable energy strategy, particularly within ambitious projects like NEOM.
KAUST researchers have developed a new technology for direct lithium extraction from brine in oilfields and seawater, potentially positioning Saudi Arabia as a major lithium producer. The technology, demonstrated at a pilot scale, allows extraction from low-concentration sources (as low as 20 parts per million) without pollutants. It could increase global lithium resources from 22 million tons to over 230 billion tons. Why it matters: This innovation could transform Saudi Arabia from a lithium importer to a producer, strengthening its energy security and influence in the global clean energy market.