Green Mobility and Energy Storage: CESI’s Role in Driving Innovation

As the global transition to a carbon-free economy accelerates, energy storage and electric mobility are playing increasingly vital roles. Since electricity must be converted to other forms for storage, the challenge of synchronizing generation and consumption has fueled the debate on energy storage technologies and the resilience of future energy systems.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a key solution for sustainable short-range mobility. With efficient battery systems, EVs can now support bidirectional charging, allowing them to act as decentralized energy storage units for the grid. This technology helps balance energy demand by utilizing parked EVs to store and supply energy, contributing significantly to the energy transition. On a larger scale, global battery storage capacity is projected to reach 600 GW by 2030, demonstrating the critical role of storage in supporting a sustainable electric grid.

However, the growing demand for battery materials, particularly lithium and cobalt, presents challenges for future resource availability. While lithium is abundant, cobalt reserves are limited, which underscores the urgency of developing alternative solutions to meet the increasing demand from various industries.

To ensure the reliability of these emerging technologies, CESI’s KEMA Labs conducts advanced testing on EV batteries and charging systems. Their state-of-the-art laboratories simulate real-world conditions to verify battery performance, security, and life expectancy, ensuring the resilience of electric networks. CESI’s new Services & Smart Technologies Unit, a collaboration between offices in Milan and Arnhem, focuses on meeting the latest standards for EV battery systems by offering a range of cutting-edge tests.

In addition to enhancing battery reliability, CESI is also pioneering work in green hydrogen solutions for sectors where electrification is more challenging, such as heavy transport and key industrial processes. By supporting both battery technology and green hydrogen, CESI is driving innovation for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.