Cascade use potential of retired traction batteries for renewable energy storage in China under carbon peak vision

The generation of retired traction batteries is poised to experience explosive growth in China due to the soaring use of electric vehicles. In order to sustainably manage retired traction batteries, a dynamic urban metabolism model, considering battery replacement and its retirement with end-of-life vehicles, was employed to predict their volume in China by 2050, and the relevant cascade use potential to store energy generated by wind and solar power was evaluated, including regional distribution analysis at the provincial level. Total waste battery generation from both electric vehicles and cascade use in China during this period was also determined. Our results indicate that the volume of retired traction batteries will rise from the current 400 kt to a peak of 5.0 Mt by 2045, then drop to 4.8 Mt in 2050. Under the Chinese Carbon Peak Vision, by 2030, the capacity potential of retired traction batteries (318 GWh) will be able to meet the national energy storage demand for wind and solar energy; by 2050, the capacity potential will further septuple compared to 2030. However, the generation of retired traction batteries and their use in energy storage vary notably in their regional distribution according to economic development and energy endowment levels. These situations and trends highlight the need to plan and build cascade use schemes and facilities with a focus on cross-provincial coordination.

Automated summary

The generation of retired traction batteries in China will experience explosive growth due to the increasing use of electric vehicles. A dynamic urban metabolism model was used to predict the volume of retired traction batteries by 2050, and evaluate their potential use in energy storage. Results show that the volume of retired traction batteries will peak at 5.0 Mt by 2045 and drop to 4.8 Mt in 2050. The capacity potential of retired traction batteries will be able to meet the national energy storage demand for wind and solar energy by 2030, and septuple by 2050 compared to 2030. Regional distribution of retired traction batteries and their use in energy storage vary based on economic development and energy endowment levels, highlighting the need for cross-provincial coordination in planning cascade use schemes.