Hydro-Québec is currently developing a battery so powerful that it can store the energy of a dozen wind turbines. "This is not a concern, we will be able to do it in two to three years," says Karim Zaghib, storage manager and energy conversion to the Research Institute of Hydro-Québec (IREQ).
In laboratories IREQ, located along Highway 30 in Varenne, Karim Zaghib leads the group of researchers who are developing a battery that is safe, economic and, above all, capable of storing huge amount of energy.
"The number one criterion is safety, safe materials. Second, there must be an abundance of materials that are cheap. And third, it is the performance. "- Karim Zaghib
To develop such a battery, you must first find the right recipe. In one of the many laboratories IREQ, a team is testing different materials by making small piles barely larger than a shirt button.
"It is often from new materials. So we start with a few grams, and from this, we will see if the technology works or not, "says Zaghib.
A powerful battery can quickly charge thousands of times without losing its effectiveness. If the materials are effective and if the tests are successful, the team goes to the next step: the wide format.
This format has the appearance of a package of thin paper sheets, and the assembly is completely automated. "All this was designed by Hydro-Québec with processes that are cheap, simple processes," says Zaghib, adding that "we must not complicate the processes."
The technology developed by the team of Karim Zaghib is economical, simple and flexible. By connecting a series of batteries together, it will be possible to store a few megawatts of electricity, the energy of a small wind farm. The technology can also be adapted to power an automobile.
"It is more than 500 km in five years. A technology we will be able to develop that will offer 500 km of autonomy on a single charge. "- Karim Zaghib
When reminded that Tesla already offers a battery that offers a range of 500 km, M Zaghib replies that the Tesla technology costs several tens of thousands of dollars and weighs over half a ton.
The lithium ion Hydro Quebec will be at least two times lighter and will cost a fraction of the price. Affordable technology will continue to evolve. "In 10 years, 15 years, the aim is the same autonomy as gasoline. »