The lithium-ion battery energy storage unit is the first battery-storage project in West Africa dedicated to frequency regulation and is designed to stabilize Senegal's grid and reduce blackouts.
Construction of the battery energy storage system is expected to commence in early 2024 at the Tobène substation in Thies and is expected to become operational in 2025. Once complete, it will be one of the largest of its kind in West Africa, and will help Senegal to avoid approximately 37,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Why is battery storage important in Senegal?
Battery storage offers incredible opportunities for Senegal to reap the benefits of renewables, while ensuring people get a secure, reliable supply of energy. We are excited to begin a promising new chapter in Senegal and further strengthen our work in the renewable energy sector.”
Owing to their several advantages, such as light weight, high specific capacity, good charge retention, long-life cycling, and low toxicity, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been the energy storage devices of choice for various applications, including portable electronics like mobile phones, laptops, and cameras .
Two main approaches have been proposed to overcome the LT limitations of LIBs: coupling the battery with a heating element to avoid exposure of its active components to the low temperature and modifying the inner battery components. Heating the battery externally causes a temperature gradient in the direction of its thickness.
Are lithium-ion batteries good at low temperature?
Modern technologies used in the sea, the poles, or aerospace require reliable batteries with outstanding performance at temperatures below zero degrees. However, commercially available lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) show significant performance degradation under low-temperature (LT) conditions.
Which lithium salt is used to improve low temperature battery performance?
The formed CEI successfully prevents transition metal ion dissolution and electrolyte decomposition leading to the improved low temperature performance. Lithium difluoro (oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) is another well-known lithium salt used for improving low temperature battery characteristics .