energies

Article
Comparing Electrical Energy Storage Technologies
Regarding Their Material and Carbon Footprint
Clemens Mostert 1, * , Berit Ostrander 1 , Stefan Bringezu 1 and Tanja Manuela Kneiske 2
1 Center for Environmental Systems Research, University of Kassel, 34117 Kassel, Germany;
[email protected] (B.O.); [email protected] (S.B.)
2 Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology, 34119 Kassel, Germany;
[email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-561-804-6131




Received: 2 November 2018; Accepted: 22 November 2018; Published: 3 December 2018


Abstract: The need for electrical energy storage technologies (EEST) in a future energy system, based
on volatile renewable energy sources is widely accepted. The still open question is which technology
should be used, in particular in such applications where the implementation of different storage
technologies would be possible. In this study, eight different EEST were analysed. The comparative
life cycle assessment focused on the storage of electrical excess energy from a renewable energy
power plant. The considered EEST were lead-acid, lithium-ion, sodium-sulphur, vanadium redox
flow and stationary second-life batteries. In addition, two power-to-gas plants storing synthetic
natural gas and hydrogen in the gas grid and a new underwater compressed air energy storage
were analysed. The material footprint was determined by calculating the raw material input RMI
and the total material requirement TMR and the carbon footprint by calculating the global warming
impact GWI. All indicators were normalised per energy fed-out based on a unified energy fed-in.
The results show that the second-life battery has the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and
material use, followed by the lithium-ion battery and the underwater compressed air energy storage.
Therefore, these three technologies are preferred options compared to the remaining five technologies
with respect to the underlying assumptions of the study. The production phase accounts for the
highest share of GHG emissions and material use for nearly all EEST. The results of a sensitivity
analysis show that lifetime and storage capacity have a comparable high influence on the footprints.
The GHG emissions and the material use of the power-to-gas technologies, the vanadium redox flow
battery as well as the underwater compressed air energy storage decline strongly with increased
storage capacity.

Keywords: electrical energy storage systems; material footprint; carbon footprint; raw material input
RMI; total material requirement TMR; global warming impact GWI

1. Introduction
In the German energy system, renewable energy sources have substantially expanded their
leading position in the electricity mix and the future growth will mainly be in the solar and wind
power areas [1]. As electrical energy generated by photovoltaic cells and wind power plants fluctuates
due to its dependence on weather conditions, the use of electrical energy storage technologies (EEST) is
an important aspect of the German Energiewende. Especially along German coastlines, the expansion
of wind energy has progressed faster than inland grid expansion, which leads to regular cut-offs of
wind power plants [2]. The application of EEST could reduce the cut-off times and make the excess
energy usable, until grids are expanded, or other flexibility options are available [3]. According to
current forecasts, a share of 80% of renewables will lead to an increased demand for short- and

Energies 2018, 11, 3386; doi:10.3390/en11123386 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2018, 11, 3386 2 of 25

long-term energy storage in Germany [4]. Since this target shall be achieved before 2050, research
on EEST is of growing importance in order to optimize efficiency and to exploit their development
potentials [5].
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the forefront approach for assessing the environmental and
human health impacts along the complete life cycle of products from raw material extraction through
production, use to the end of life (EoL) phase. The methodological framework for LCA and the relevant
steps for the execution of LCA studies is described within ISO 14040 and 14044 [6]. Existing life
cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods are mainly output oriented. All output flows that are
contributing to an environmental impact category are aggregated into one or more impact indicators.
The most prominent impact category is the global warming where the carbon footprint is determined
by aggregating the output flows of GHG emissions into the global warming impact (GWI). Since the late
nineties, studies have been carried out using comparative LCA approaches to assess the environmental
burden of batteries with a focus on emission based impacts [7]. Later studies also considered the effects
on material flows and resource constraints by increasing use of batteries [8,9]. The focus of further
LCA studies was on GHG emissions [10] and energy requirements [11]. In the following years, studies
compared different storage technologies regarding their environmental impacts including cumulative
energy demand and fossil depletion [12–14]. None of the studies considered the material footprint
as an indicator, although it is easy to apply and allows the evaluation of “the environmental burden,
without the uncertainty associated with the assessment of emission-based impacts” ([15], p. 1).
The urgent need to bring natural resource use down to sustainable levels becomes more and more
obvious and is emphasised internationally by the work of the International Resource Panel [16] and
nationally by the German Resource Efficiency Program II [17]. The use of renewable energy plants
may significantly increase the resource efficiency of the energy supply [18]. In contrast, the use of
EEST is always associated with an additional resource use. The material footprint can be determined
using LCA methodology by aggregating the material input flows into the raw material input (RMI)
and the total material requirement (TMR). The calculation of the indicators can be supported by e.g.,
openLCA, an open source software tool for modelling different product systems and quantifying
the environmental impacts over the complete life cycle (www.openLCA.org). RMI and TMR have
been established for national and regional integrated environmental and economic accounting, being
derived from economy-wide material flow analysis [19–21]. For the use at product level, the RMI was
largely adopted in a standardization process in Germany. In the VDI 4800 guideline, the indicator is
called cumulated raw material demand (CRD, German: Kumulierter Rohstoffaufwand, KRA) which
differs from RMI only by excluding biomass harvest from agriculture [22]. RMI and TMR have
also been applied to measure the material resource efficiency of buildings, and are recommended
to be included in sustainability assessment schemes [23]. When the material input indicators are
calculated per service unit of the product, their inverses are measures for the material efficiency.
For the interpretation of the indicators, with regard to their bundles of environmental impacts, see
Bringezu et al. [24].
For the first time, eight different EEST, storing excess energy from a renewable energy power plant,
were analysed regarding their material footprint using the LCA methodology. The results for RMI and
TMR for two different power-to-gas technologies, five different types of batteries and a new underwater
compressed air energy storage technology are presented in comparison to the results of the carbon
footprint. The information about the storage systems was taken from pilot applications. The study
identified which of the EEST best supports the objectives of material efficiency and climate protection.

2. Electrical Energy Storage Technologies

EEST are available in broad range and used in a great variety of applications with different
techniques [25]. We consider a charged energy of 14,600 MWh over 20 years operating time
and a discharged energy according to the efficiency of the EEST, under the constrain of one full
charge/discharge cycle per day. Therefore, batteries as decentralized electricity storage technologies,
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 3 of 25

with a storage period of a few hours are considered. Power-to-gas technologies are usually classified
as long-term storages, but can technically also be used as a short-term storage and are therefore also
considered. Other interesting storage systems like flywheel energy storage or superconductor storage
are not included in the study but could be taken into account in future research studies. We give a
short description of the storage technologies with a focus on the considered pilot applications and the
parameters relevant for the LCA process model.

2.1. Power-to-Gas Storage

The power-to-gas storage systems are chemical energy storages. The energy is transformed into
hydrogen (H2 ) or synthetic natural gas (SNG) and the gas can be stored in gas tanks or directly in the
gas grid. The discharging of the storage can be done by gas fired or combined heat and power (CHP)
plants [4]. Furthermore, the gas can be used as fuel in the transportation sector or as feedstock in the
chemical industry [26]. The assumption for the power-to-gas hydrogen storage (H2 -S) is based on two
pilot projects in Germany: Energiepark Mainz (www.energiepark-mainz.de) and WindGas Hamburg
(www.powertogas.info). In the first project, three electrolysers are used with 2 MW each. In the second
project, a smaller electrolyser is installed with 1 MW. We assume a direct feed into the gas grid and
a transport of 50 km. After transport, electricity is generated by a CHP plant with a gas engine of
1 MW electric output. The analysis considers the complete electricity-hydrogen-electricity chain of the
power-to-gas technologies.

2.2. Batteries
Batteries in MW sizes are being built by stacking many battery modules. The considered batteries
are lead-acid battery (PbA-B), lithium-ion battery (LiI-B), sodium-sulphur battery (NaS-B), vanadium
redox flow battery (VRF-B) and used automotive lithium-ion battery as stationary second-life battery
(SL-B). The choice for the batteries is based on results by Sauer et al. [27] and Hartmann et al. [28].
The PbA-B is one of the most technically advanced and cost-effective battery technologies and
therefore widely used despite its disadvantages compared to other battery types [4]. The electrodes
and the current collector consist predominantly of lead, whose proportion of secondary material is
estimated at 80%. Graphite is considered as the carbon material that is used for the anode. The LiI-B is
available with several electrode combinations and with different material requirements. Furthermore,
it shows great differences in terms of main operating parameters. The analysed battery uses graphite
as anode and spinel-structured lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2 O4 ) as cathode material (ecoinvent
3.1). The SL-B is considered to be a used LiI-B. The assumptions are similar to the storage build in the
2 MW pilot project by Bosch, Vattenfall and BMW (www.bosch.com). The batteries are split into single
modules and then reconnected to a large battery system with a storage capacity of 2.8 MWh. The new
system is built on about 2600 modules, which have been used in more than 100 cars. In this project,
a first life lifetime of 8 years and a second life lifetime of 10 years have been assumed [29]. The NaS-B
with an operating temperature of over 300 ◦ C is a so-called high-temperature battery [4]. However,
there are efforts underway to develop NaS-B for room temperature applications [30]. The world
largest energy storage site using NaS-B has storage capacity of 300 MWh and an output power of
50 MW (www.ngk.co.jp). The VRF-B differs in its structure and functioning from the other batteries
essentially in that the energy storage takes place in separate tanks. Its calculation is associated with
high uncertainties, as the amount of electrolyte is highly dependent on the energy to power ratio.
The data for our study are taken from the LCA of a VRF-B with a storage capacity of 450 kWh and
nominal power of 50 kW [6]. Today, VRF-B are applied in different pilot applications in MW-size
worldwide for example for peak power shaving [4].
According to our study assumptions, the batteries are operated with a depth of discharge (DoD)
of 80% and therefore have a nominal storage capacity of 2.5 MWh. The cyclic and calendar lifetime
data are based on Battke et al. [31]. Since the literature values for the lifetime vary, possible ranges
were considered. From the median, the number of batteries required for a 20 years operating time
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 4 of 25

or for 7300 charging cycles was determined. For the selected use case, the LiI-B, NaS-B and VRF-B
reach their calendric EoL before their cyclical EoL. The calendar life of these three batteries is thus the
limiting factor, which determines how much products are required. For the PbA-B, the limiting factor
is the cyclical life.

2.3. Compressed Air Energy Storage

The analysis also included a new underwater compressed air energy storage (CA-S). The CA-S
is a new storage technology that is still under development [32]. So far, only one pilot plant exists
to estimate the needed parameters. The idea is to compress the air using three electric generators,
while the compressed air is stored by large bags underwater [33]. The lifetime of all components
is estimated at 20 years. Only the storage bags made from fabrics are replaced after 10 years [34].
The main characteristics of the EEST are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Main characteristics of EEST [4,7,33,34].

Characteristic SL-B LiI-B CA-S H2 -S VRF-B SNG-S PbA-B NaS-B

Number of products (20 years operating time) 2.00 1.70 1.00 1.00 2.10 1.00 5.80 2.40
Nominal storage capacity (MWh) 2.50 2.50 2.00 2.00 2.50 2.00 2.50 2.50
Charged energy amount per day (MWh) 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Efficiency (%) 93.50 93.50 53.60 24.40 77.00 18.30 81.50 76.50
Discharged energy amount per day (MWh) 1.87 1.87 1.07 0.49 1.54 0.37 1.63 1.53
Max. discharge power (MW) 1.34 1.34 1.07 1.00 0.17 1.00 1.00 0.26
Duration at max. discharge power (h) 1.40 1.40 1.00 0.49 9.00 0.37 1.63 6.00

3. Methodological Approach

3.1. System Description

The considered product system is an energy storage facility directly connected to a renewable
energy power plant. The EEST is accumulating electrical excess energy, which would not have been
generated by the power plant due to e.g., a cut-off in times of grid overload. A functional unit FU is
defined to compare the different EEST expressing the benefit of the product system in a comparable
quantity [35]. The benefit of the energy storage is the reduction of the downtimes of the renewable
energy power plant and the provision of the stored energy. The FU is the amount of usable electricity,
which can be provided by the EEST based on a unified energy fed-in. It considers that the amount
of electrical energy fed-out varies from storage to storage according to the efficiency of the storage η
EEST with the same amount of loading cycles and energy being stored. An energy fed-in of 2 MWh,
one loading cycle per day d and a period of 20 years a corresponding to the usual operating time of
a renewable energy power plant is considered [36]. The resulting calculation for the FU is shown in
Equation (1):
MWh d
FU = 2 ·365 ·20 a·η EEST = 14, 600 MWh·η EEST (1)
d a
electricity f ed−out
η EEST = (2)
electricity f ed−in
η EEST [%] : e f f iciency o f EEST

The product system and the system boundary are shown in Figure 1.
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 5 of 25
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 22

Figure1.1.Product
Figure Productsystem,
system,system
systemboundary
boundaryand
andflows.
flows.
3.2. Inventory Analysis
3.2. Inventory Analysis
In the inventory analysis all input and output flows are identified, which are generated over the
In the inventory analysis all input and output flows are identified, which are generated over the
considered life cycle of the EEST. They can be product, material or energy flows [37]. The quantification
considered life cycle of the EEST. They can be product, material or energy flows [37]. The
of the flows is based on a detailed literature research with a focus on scientific publications, data sheets
quantification of the flows is based on a detailed literature research with a focus on scientific
from manufacturers and on processes of the ecoinvent database (version 3.1) using the cut-off system
publications, data sheets from manufacturers and on processes of the ecoinvent database (version
model. The use of generic data is common in LCA as there are always limitations in collecting or
3.1) using the cut-off system model. The use of generic data is common in LCA as there are always
accessing primary data in the inventory analysis. The input flow of energy for the use phase of EEST
limitations in collecting or accessing primary data in the inventory analysis. The input flow of energy
is excess electricity, which is made usable only by the EEST. Therefore, it is not bearing any impacts
for the use phase of EEST is excess electricity, which is made usable only by the EEST. Therefore, it is
and is burden free according to the cut-off model. The input flows of material and energy for the
not bearing any impacts and is burden free according to the cut-off model. The input flows of material
production phase of EEST bear all impacts of the upstream processes.
and energy for the production phase of EEST bear all impacts of the upstream processes.
The input and output tables with the relevant flows are set up with the software openLCA (version
The input and output tables with the relevant flows are set up with the software openLCA
1.4.2) for the production and use phase. The disposal of EEST or the recycling of used material is not
(version 1.4.2) for the production and use phase. The disposal of EEST or the recycling of used
considered due to insufficient data and information about the EoL phase for all EEST. Transportation
material is not considered due to insufficient data and information about the EoL phase for all EEST.
processes for the EEST are generally not considered for the same reason. Only for the power-to-gas
Transportation processes for the EEST are generally not considered for the same reason. Only for the
technologies, a transportation process of the gas to the CHP plant is calculated as the gas grid is
power-to-gas technologies, a transportation process of the gas to the CHP plant is calculated as the
considered part of the storage facility. The processes inventory can be found in the Appendix B.
gas grid is considered part of the storage facility. The processes inventory can be found in the
The input and output flows are assigned to the considered impact categories climate change and
Appendix B.
material use. The impact categories are quantified by impact indicators, which are calculated and
The input and output flows are assigned to the considered impact categories climate change and
normalized by the results of the inventory analysis and by multiplying them with characterization
material use. The impact categories are quantified by impact indicators, which are calculated and
factors CF [35].
normalized by the results of the inventory analysis and by multiplying them with characterization
factors
3.3. CF Footprint
Carbon [35].

3.3. The carbon

Carbon footprint is determined by the impact indicator GWI. According to the Joint Research
Footprint
Center of the European Commission, a characterization model with a time horizon of 100 years is
chosen The carbon
[38]. The footprint is determined
GWP100 data byAssessment
of the Fifth the impact indicator
Report ofGWI. According to the
the International Joint
Panel of Research
Climate
Center of the European Commission, a characterization model with a time horizon
Change are used [39]. The GWI per functional unit is calculated as shown in Equation (3): of 100 years is
chosen [38]. The GWP100 data of the Fifth Assessment Report of the International Panel of Climate
Change are used [39]. The GWI per GW I = ∑m
functional unit is calculated as shown in Equation (3):
GHG i · GWP100 i (3)
i
𝐺𝑊𝐼 = ∑𝑚 𝐺𝐻𝐺 𝑖 ∙ 𝐺𝑊𝑃100 𝑖 (3)
GW I [kg CO2 eq/FU ] : global𝑖 warming impact per f unctional unit

𝐺𝑊𝐼m
[kg
GHG [kg/FU ]𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑙
CO2i eq/𝐹𝑈]: : mass𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔
o f GHG 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡
i per f unctional unit 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙
GWP100 i [kg CO2 eq/kg] : global warming potential f or a time horizon o f 100 years o f GHG i
𝑚 𝐺𝐻𝐺 𝑖 [kg/𝐹𝑈]: 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝐻𝐺 𝑖 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡
3.4. Material Footprint
𝐺𝑊𝑃100 𝑖 [kg CO2 eq/kg]: 𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 100 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝐻𝐺 𝑖
The material footprint is determined by the raw material input RMI and the total material
requirement TMR. The RMI considers all abiotic and biotic primary raw materials, which represent an
3.4. Material
input into theFootprint
product over its complete life cycle.
The material footprint is determined by the raw material input RMI and the total material
requirement TMR. The RMI considers = abiotic
RMI all and +
RMI abiotic RMIprimary
biotic biotic (4)
raw materials, which represent
an input into the product over its complete life cycle.
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 6 of 25

The RMI per functional unit is calculated according to Equation (5):

RMI = ∑ m material j ·CF RMIj (5)

j

RMI [kg/FU ] : raw material input per f unctional unit

m material j [kg material j/FU ] : mass o f material j per f unctional unit

CF RMIj [kg/kg material j] : characterization f actor f or RMI o f material j

Whereas the RMI accounts only for used extractions from the environment, i.e., raw materials
that are sold by mining, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, the TMR considers both used and per se
unused extraction. The unused extraction includes all natural material that is moved and dumped to
enable the extraction of the primary raw material.
The TMR thus measures the total amount of abiotic and biotic primary material required over the
complete life cycle:
TMR = TMR abiotic + TMR biotic (6)

The TMR per functional unit is calculated as shown in Equation (7):

TMR = ∑ m material j ·CF TMRj (7)

j

TMR [kg/FU ] : total material requirement per f unctional unit

m material j [kg material j/FU ] : mass o f matrial j per f unctional unit

CF TMR j [kg/kg material j] : characterization f actor f or TMR o f material j

The characterization model based on the characterization factor GWP100 has been used in a great
number of LCA and is widely accepted. For the calculation of the material footprint, a standardized
approach is still missing. Therefore, the characterization model of material use based on RMI and TMR
including the calculation of the characterization factors CFRMI and CFTMR had to be developed and
implemented into openLCA. The method for calculating CFRMI and CFTMR has been adopted from the
calculation of the material input per service unit (MIPS) using the ecoinvent database [40,41].
The CFRMI is the ratio of the mass of the extracted primary raw material and the mass of the
material in primary raw material as shown in Equation (8):
m extracted primary raw material j
CF RMIj = (8)
m material j in primary raw material j

The CFRMI can also be calculated by the material concentration in the extracted primary raw
material, e.g., the metal concentration in the extracted minerals, according to Equation (9):

1
CF RMIj = (9)
concentration o f material j in primary raw material j

The CFTMR is calculated from the CFRMI and the extraction coefficient according to Equation (10):


CF TMR j = CF RMIj ∗ 1 + coe f f extraction j (10)

m unused extraction j
coe f f extraction j = (11)
m extracted primary raw material j

coe f f extraction j [kg/kg] : extraction coe f f icient o f material j

Energies 2018, 11, 3386 7 of 25
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 22

The data for

for the
the calculation ofCF
calculation of RMI and CFTMR
CFRMI aretaken
TMR are takenfrom
from the
the ecoinvent
ecoinvent database (version
Group and
3.1), from the database of the former Raw Materials Group and from
from Schoer
Schoer et
et al.
al. [42].
[42].

4. Results
4. Results
The second-life battery
The second-life battery(SL-B)
(SL-B)andandthe the lithium-ion
lithium-ion battery
battery (LiI-B)
(LiI-B) havehave
the the GWIGWI
lowest
lowest per
per fed-
fed-out electricity with 9 and 11 kg CO eq · MWh −1 (Figure 2). They are followed by the underwater
out electricity with 9 and 11 kg CO2eq· 2 MWh (Figure 2). They are followed by the underwater
−1

compressed ·MWh −1 the power-to-gas storage using

compressed airair energy
energy storage
storage (CA-S)
(CA-S) with
with27 27kg kgCOCO 2 eq
2eq· MWh−1,, the power-to-gas storage using
hydrogen (H -S) with 47 kg CO eq · MWh − 1 and the vanadium redox flow battery (VRF-B)
(VRF-B) with
with 53
53 kg
hydrogen (H22-S) with 47 kg CO22eq·MWh and the vanadium redox flow battery
−1 kg
CO eq·MWh −
MWh . The1 . Thepower-to-gas
power-to-gasstorage
storageusing
usingsynthetic
syntheticnatural
naturalgas
gas(SNG-S)
(SNG-S)has GWI of
hasaa GWI of 92
92 kg
CO22eq· −1 kg
CO
CO22eq· MWh−1−,1nearly
eq·MWh , nearlytwice
twiceasasmuch
muchas asthe
theH H2-S
2 -Sand
and3.43.4times
times higher
higher than
than the
the CA-S.
CA-S. The
The lead-acid
lead-acid
battery
battery (PbA-B)
(PbA-B) and and the
the sodium-sulphur
sodium-sulphur battery (NaS-B) have
battery (NaS-B) the highest
have the GWI with
highest GWI with 149
149 and
and 176
176 kg
kg
CO eq·MWh − 1
MWh−1. Their
. Theircarbon
carbonfootprint
footprintisis13.5
13.5andand16.016.0times
timeshigher
higherthan
thanthat
thatofofthe
theLiI-B.
LiI-B.
CO2eq·

Figure2.2. Global
Figure Global warming
warming impact
impact GWI per fed-out electricity of electrical
electrical energy
energy storage
storagetechnologies.
technologies.

In the
the case
caseof ofthe
theNaS-B
NaS-Band and the VRF-B,
the VRF-B, thetheenergy
energyproduction
production for manufacturing
for manufacturing the battery
the batterycells
has the main influence on the GHG emissions. The power and
cells has the main influence on the GHG emissions. The power and heat production are accounting heat production are accounting for 44%
and 36%and
for 44% (NaS-B) and 43%and
36% (NaS-B) and43% 32%and (VRF-B) of the total
32% (VRF-B) GWI.
of the TheGWI.
total manufacturing
The manufacturingprocess ofprocess
the usedof
materials primarily influences
the used materials the GWI of the
primarily influences the remaining
GWI of thefive storage technologies.
remaining These materials
five storage technologies. are
These
mainly
materialsgraphite,
are mainly aluminum,
graphite, stainless
aluminum, steel,stainless
copper and iron.
steel, In case
copper andofiron.
the PbA-B,
In case the production
of the PbA-B, the of
graphite,
production which is used which
of graphite, for theisanode, used for is accounting
the anode, for 55% of thefor
is accounting GWI.
55% Inof case
theofGWI.
the power-to-gas
In case of the
storages,
power-to-gas storages, the production of stainless steel production has the highest shareemissions.
the production of stainless steel production has the highest share of GHG of GHG
The process
emissions. The is accounting for 48% (Hfor
process is accounting 2 -S)48%
and(H 32%2-S)(SNG-S)
and 32%of(SNG-S) the totalofGWI. In case
the total GWI.of In
thecase
CA-S of the
manufacturing
CA-S the manufacturing process ofprocess
the compressors, particular the
of the compressors, use of low-alloy
particular the use ofsteel and iron,
low-alloy is and
steel accounting
iron, is
for 52% of the
accounting 52% GWI.
fortotal of the total GWI.
The results
results for forRMI
RMIabiotic and TMR
abiotic and TMRabiotic perfed-out
abioticper fed-outelectricity
electricityare areshown
shownin inFigure
Figure 3. 3. The
The difference
difference
between RMIabiotic abiotic and
and TMR
TMR represents
represents
abiotic
abiotic the the unused
unused extraction.
extraction. The The ranking
ranking for for abiotic
abiotic material
material use
use corresponds to the ranking for global warming from SL-B
corresponds to the ranking for global warming from SL-B to VRF-B. The SL-B has the lowest RMIabiotic to VRF-B. The SL-B has the lowest
RMI TMRand
and abiotic abiotic TMR
with abiotic
87 andwith16887kg· and
MWh ·MWh−1by
168−1kgfollowed followed
the LiI-B bywith
the LiI-B with229
118 and 118kg·and kg, ·the
229 −1
MWh MWh −1 ,
CA-S
the ·MWh − 1 ·MWh − 1
withCA-S
149 andwith309 149kg·and
MWh 309 −1kg , the H2-S ,with
the H189 2 -S and
with387189 kg·andMWh 387 kg
−1 and and the
the VRF-B VRF-B
with 240with
and
240 andMWh531 kg. ·The MWh − 1 . The kg·the − 1
531 kg· −1 NaS-B has NaS-B
an abiotic hasmaterial
an abiotic usematerial
of 269 and use595 of 269 and 595and
kg·MWh −1 MWh SNG-S and the
of 360
SNG-S
and 686ofkg· 360MWh and−1,686 kg·MWh
nearly twice−as 1 , nearly twice as much as the H -S and 2.4 times higher than the
much as the H2-S and 2.4 times 2higher than the CA-S. The PbA-B
CA-S.
has byThe PbA-B
far the has by
highest RMI farabiotic
the and highest
TMR RMI withand
abioticabiotic TMR
2,414 and 3,411
abiotic with
kg·2414
MWh and 3411 kg
−1. Thus, the SL-B−1has
·MWh . Thus,
the
the SL-B
lowest andhasthe thePbA-B
lowestthe and the PbA-B
highest the highest
material footprint. material footprint.
For all batteries except the NaS-B, the extraction and the processing of the primary materials
mainly metals as lead, copper and stainless steel are accounting for more than 58% of the RMIabiotic
and TMRabiotic. The RMIabiotic of the PbA-B is determined for more than 80% by the use of primary lead.
In case of the NaS-B, the electric energy demand for manufacturing the battery cells has the main
influence on abiotic resource consumption. For the power-to-gas technologies and the CA-S the
materials used for the production of the combined heat and power plant, the compressors and the
motors2018,
Energies have
11,the highest influence on abiotic resource consumption. In all these processes, copper
3386 has
8 of 25
the highest share of RMIabiotic and TMRabiotic.

Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 22

In case of the NaS-B, the electric energy demand for manufacturing the battery cells has the main
influence on abiotic resource consumption. For the power-to-gas technologies and the CA-S the
materials used for the production of the combined heat and power plant, the compressors and the
motors have the highest influence on abiotic resource consumption. In all these processes, copper has
the highest share of RMIabiotic and TMRabiotic.

Figure 3. Raw
Raw material
materialinput
inputabiotic
abioticRMI
RMIabiotic and
abiotic total
and material
total requirement
material abiotic
requirement TMR
abiotic TMR per fed-
abioticabiotic per
fed-out electricity
out electricity of electrical
of electrical energy
energy storage
storage technologies.
technologies

For
The all batteries
values for RMI except theTMR
biotic and NaS-B, theshown
biotic are extraction and the
in Figure processing
4. The influenceof onthe
theprimary
materialmaterials
footprint
mainly metals as lead, copper and stainless steel are accounting
is significantly lower than that of the abiotic material use with a RMIbiotic of up to 5.5 kg·for more than 58% the RMI
of MWh −1 and a
abiotic
TMRTMR
and biotic of up to
abiotic . The RMI
6.3 kg· abiotic−1of
MWh theorder
. The PbA-B of isthedetermined
EEST differsforslightly
more thanfrom80%that by the abiotic
of the use of material
primary
lead. In case
use. Again, theofSL-B
the NaS-B,
and thethe electric
LiI-B have energy
the lowest demand
valuesfor manufacturing
with 0.27 and 0.31the battery
kg·MWh cells0.31
−1 and has and
the
main influence
0.36 kg· MWh , on −1 abiotic by
followed resource
the CA-Sconsumption.
with 0.58 and For0.67
the kg·
power-to-gas
MWh andtechnologies
−1 the VRF-B with and 0.74
the CA-S the
and 0.85
materials
kg·MWh−1used . The for the of
values production
the NaS-Bofare the1.35combined
and 1.56heat and power
kg·MWh −1 and ofplant,
H2-Sthe
1.50compressors
and 1.72 kg·and MWh the
−1.
Figure 3. Raw material input abiotic RMIabiotic and total material requirement abiotic TMRabiotic per fed-
motors have the highest influence on abiotic resource consumption.
The second highest abiotic material use has the SNG-S with 3.56 and 4.10 kg·MWh followed by the In all these processes,
−1 copper has
out electricity of electrical energy storage technologies
the
PbA-Bhighest
withshare5.47 and of RMI
6.32abiotic
kg·MWhand TMR
−1. abiotic .
The values for RMIbiotic and TMRbiotic are shown in Figure 4. The influence on the material footprint
The values for RMIbiotic and TMRbiotic are shown in Figure 4. The influence on the material footprint −1
is significantly lower than that of the abiotic material use with a RMIbiotic of up to 5.5 kg·MWh
is significantly lower than that of the−abiotic 1
material use with a RMIbiotic of up to 5.5 kg·MWh−1 and a
and a TMRbiotic of up to 6.3 kg−1·MWh . The order of the EEST differs slightly from that of the abiotic
TMRbiotic of up to 6.3 kg·MWh . The order of the EEST differs slightly from that of the abiotic material
material use. Again, the SL-B and the LiI-B have the lowest values with 0.27 and 0.31 kg MWh−1 and
−1 ·and
use. Again, the SL-B and the LiI-B have the lowest values with 0.27 and 0.31 kg· MWh 0.31 and
0.31 and 0.36 −1kg·MWh−1 , followed by the CA-S with 0.58 and 0.67 kg·MWh−1 and the VRF-B with
0.36 kg·MWh , followed by the CA-S with 0.58 and 0.67 kg·MWh and the VRF-B with 0.74 and 0.85
−1
0.74 and −1 0.85 kg·MWh−1 . The values of the NaS-B are 1.35 and−11.56 kg·MWh−1 and of H2 -S 1.50 and
kg·MWh . The values of the NaS-B are 1.35 and 1.56 kg·MWh and of H2-S 1.50 and 1.72 kg·MWh−−11.
1.72 kg·MWh−1 . The second highest abiotic material use has the SNG-S with 3.56 and 4.10 kg·MWh
The second highest abiotic material use has the SNG-S − 1
with 3.56 and 4.10 kg·MWh−1 followed by the
followed by the PbA-B with 5.47 and 6.32 kg·MWh .
PbA-B with 5.47 and 6.32 kg·MWh−1.

Figure 4. Raw material input biotic RMIbiotic and total material requirement biotic TMRbiotic per fed-out
electricity of electrical energy storage technologies.

The ranking of the EEST shows a strong correlation between the material and carbon footprints
for the SL-B, LiI-B, CA-S, H2-S and VRF-B (Table 2). The NaS-B has the highest carbon footprint,
mainly because of the high energy demand in the manufacturing process and is ranked 6 for material
footprint. The PbA-B has the by far highest material footprint but the carbon footprint is lower than
that of the NaS-B. The SNG-S ranked 7 for material and 6 for carbon footprint.
material input
Figure 4. Raw material inputbiotic
bioticRMI
RMIbiotic
biotic and total material requirement
requirementbiotic
bioticTMR
TMRbiotic
biotic per fed-out
Table 2 Ranking of electrical energy storage technologies regarding carbon and material footprint.
energy storage
electricity of electrical energy storage technologies.
technologies.

The ranking of the EEST shows a strong correlation between the material and carbon footprints
for the SL-B,
SL-B, LiI-B,
LiI-B, CA-S,
CA-S, H
H22-S and VRF-B (Table 2).
2). The NaS-B has the highest carbon footprint,
mainly because of the high energy demand in the manufacturing process and is ranked 6 for material
footprint. The PbA-B has the by far highest material footprint but the carbon footprint is lower than
that of the NaS-B. The SNG-S ranked 7 for material and 6 for carbon footprint.

Table 2 Ranking of electrical energy storage technologies regarding carbon and material footprint.
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 9 of 25

footprint. The PbA-B has the by far highest material footprint but the carbon footprint is lower than
that of the NaS-B. The SNG-S ranked 7 for material and 6 for carbon footprint.

Table 2. Ranking of electrical energy storage technologies regarding carbon and material footprint.

Footprint Impact Indicator SL-B LiI-B CA-S H2 -S VRF-B SNG-S PbA-B NaS-B
Carbon GWI 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Material RMI, TMR 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 6

5. Sensitivity Analysis
A sensitivity analysis was carried out to check how the underlying assumptions affect the study
results. In a first step, the significantly influential parameters were identified. A parameter was
considered significant if the carbon or material footprint increases or decreases more than 5% by
changing the parameter within realistic ranges. Efficiency, lifetime, share of secondary material input,
electricity mix for production and useable storage capacity were identified as significant parameters.
The data for variation of efficiency and lifetime are shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Data for variation of efficiency and lifetime in the sensitivity analysis [4,33,34].

Lifetime (Number of Products for 20 Years

Efficiency (%)
EEST Operating Time)
Normal Minimum Maximum Normal Longer Shorter
SL-B 93.50 90.00 97.00 2.0 1.3 7.5
Lil-B 93.50 90.00 97.00 1.7 1.3 7.5
CA-S 53.60 50.90 56.30 1.0 1.0 2.0
H2-S 24.40 23.20 25.60 1.3 1.0 2.0
VRF-B 77.00 71.00 83.00 2.1 2.0 4.0
SNG-S 18.30 17.40 19.20 1.0 1.0 2.0
PbA-B 81.50 74.00 89.00 5.8 3.7 14.6
NaS-B 76.50 72.00 81.00 2.4 1.5 4.0

Furthermore, a 100% share of secondary material input for the main materials instead of ecoinvent
3.1 data, a CO2 -emission factor for electricity mix for production of 675 kg CO2 eq·MWh−1 (German
mix, 2008) instead of 855 kg CO2 eq·MWh−1 (Chinese mix, 2008) and a storage capacity of 8 MWh
instead of 2 MWh were considered. Only a shorter lifetime and increased storage capacity lead to a
change in the ranking of EEST. A shorter lifetime increases the GWI per fed-out electricity of the EEST
between 22% (CA-S) and 316% (LiI-B) as shown in Figure 5.
As a result, the LiI-B and the CA-S as well as the PbA-B and NaS-B exchange their rank. A longer
lifetime decreases their GWI up to 36% (PbA-B) but has no influence on the ranking. The detailed data
for the change in GWI for shorter and longer lifetime can be found in the Appendix A.
A shorter lifetime of the EEST increases the RMIabiotic between 4% (CA-S) and 327% (LiI-B) as
shown in Figure 6. A longer lifetime decreases the RMIabiotic up to 37% (PbA-B). The results for the
changes in TMRabiotic are in the same range. The detailed data for RMIabiotic and TMRabiotic can be found
in the Appendix A.
The results for the change in GWI per fed-out electricity for increasing storage capacity from 2 to
8 MWh are shown in Figure 7.
For all batteries, except the VRF-B, the capacity increase is achieved by interconnecting the
fourfold number of battery modules (stacking). As the impact indicators are normalized per fed-out
electricity, the stacking does not lead to a change in the carbon and material footprint. The capacity of
the VRF-B is increased by a larger container, bigger components, more electrode material and a greater
amount of electrolyte. The CA-S requires more material, bigger components and a higher volume of
thermal oil. The capacity of the SNG-S and the H2 -S is increased just by scaling up of the power-to-gas
The data for variation of efficiency and lifetime are shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Data for variation of efficiency and lifetime in the sensitivity analysis [4,33,34].

Lifetime (Number of Products for 20

Efficiency (%)
EEST Years Operating Time)
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 10 of 25
Normal Minimum Maximum Normal Longer Shorter
SL-B 93.50 90.00 97.00 2.0 1.3 7.5
plants as they use the gas grid as storage. The GWI of the VRF-B is reduced by 19.6% and of 7.5
Lil-B 93.50 90.00 97.00 1.7 1.3 the CA-S
CA-S
by 25.2%. The GWI of 53.60 50.90 by 74.1%56.30
the H2 -S is reduced 1.0 of the LiI-B)
(close to the value 1.0 and of the SNG-S
2.0 by
H2-S 24.40 23.20 25.60 1.3 1.0 2.0
77.5% (close to the value of the CA-S). The detailed data are shown in the Appendix A. The change in
VRF-B 77.00 71.00 83.00 2.1 2.0 4.0
RMIabiotic per fed-out electricity for increasing storage capacity from 2 to 8 MWh is shown in Figure 8.
SNG-S 18.30 17.40 19.20 1.0 1.0 2.0
The
PbA-Bvalues of RMI abiotic for the
81.50 CA-S, the VRF-S,
74.00 89.00 the H2 -S 5.8and the SNG-S
3.7 are reduced14.6 from
−1 followed by the CA-S
57.0%NaS-B
up to 77.8%. The the lowest RMI
76.50H2 -S has 72.00 2.4kg·MWh 1.5
abiotic with 48
81.00 4.0
with 64 kg·MWh−1 . The RMIabiotic of the SNG-S is 80 kg·MWh−1 , of the SL-B 87 kg·MWh−1 and
VRF-B 88 kg·aMWh
of theFurthermore, −1 . The RMI
100% share abiotic of thematerial
of secondary LiI-B, the NaS-B
input forand
thethe PbA-B
main remainsinstead
materials constant.
of
The detailed data for the RMI and the TMR are shown in the Appendix
ecoinvent 3.1 data, a CO2-emission factor for electricity mix for production of 675 kg CO2eq·MWh−1
abiotic abiotic A. In addition, the
variation of some
(German mix, parameters
2008) instead ofaffecting
855 kg CO only
2eq· specific EEST wasmix,
MWh−1 (Chinese analysed: material
2008) and composition
a storage of
capacity of
VRF-B,
8 MWh energy
instead mix
of 2for
MWhCO2were
capture in the SNG-S,
considered. Only increase
a shorterinlifetime
water storage depth for
and increased the CA-S
storage and
capacity
primary energy demand for aluminum of NaS-B. However, the results did not lead to
lead to a change in the ranking of EEST. A shorter lifetime increases the GWI per fed-out electricity a change in the
ranking of the EEST regarding the material or carbon footprint.
of the EEST between 22% (CA-S) and 316% (LiI-B) as shown in Figure 5.

Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 22

A shorter lifetime of the EEST increases the RMIabiotic between 4% (CA-S) and 327% (LiI-B) as
shown in Figure 6. A longer lifetime decreases the RMIabiotic up to 37% (PbA-B). The results for the
Figure 5. Change
Change in global
global warming
warming impact GWI per fed-out electricity for shorter and longer lifetime
changes in TMRabiotic are in the same range. The detailed data for RMIabiotic and TMRabiotic can be found
of electrical energy storage technologies.
in the Appendix A (Tables A5 and A6).
As a result, the LiI-B and the CA-S as well as the PbA-B and NaS-B exchange their rank. A longer
lifetime decreases their GWI up to 36% (PbA-B) but has no influence on the ranking. The detailed
data for the change in GWI for shorter and longer lifetime can be found in the Appendix A (Table
A4).

Figure 6. Change in raw material

material input
input abiotic
abiotic RMI
RMIabiotic
abiotic per
per fed-out
fed-out electricity
electricity for
for shorter
shorter and longer
lifetime of electrical energy storage technologies.

The results for the change in GWI per fed-out electricity for increasing storage capacity from 2
to 8 MWh are shown in Figure 7.
 Figure 6. Change in raw material input abiotic RMIabiotic per fed-out electricity for shorter and longer
lifetime of electrical energy storage technologies.

The
Energies results
2018, for
the change in GWI per fed-out electricity for increasing storage capacity from
11, 3386 2
11 of 25
to 8 MWh are shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. Change
Change in global warming impact GWI per fed-out electricity for increasing the storage
to 8 MWh.
capacity of electrical energy storage technologies from 2 to MWh.
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 22

For all batteries, except the VRF-B, the capacity increase is achieved by interconnecting the
fourfold number of battery modules (stacking). As the impact indicators are normalized per fed-out
electricity, the stacking does not lead to a change in the carbon and material footprint. The capacity
of the VRF-B is increased by a larger container, bigger components, more electrode material and a
greater amount of electrolyte. The CA-S requires more material, bigger components and a higher
volume of thermal oil. The capacity of the SNG-S and the H2-S is increased just by scaling up of the
power-to-gas plants as they use the gas grid as storage. The GWI of the VRF-B is reduced by 19.6%
and of the CA-S by 25.2%. The GWI of the H2-S is reduced by 74.1% (close to the value of the LiI-B)
and of the SNG-S by 77.5% (close to the value of the CA-S). The detailed data are shown in the
Appendix A (Table A7). The change in RMIabiotic per fed-out electricity for increasing storage capacity
from 2 to 8 MWh is shown in Figure 8.

8. Change in the
Figure 8. the raw
raw material
material input
input abiotic
abiotic RMI
RMIabiotic
abiotic per
per fed-out electricity for increasing
storage capacity of electrical energy storage
storage technologies
technologies from
from 22 to to 88 MWh.
MWh.

6. Discussion
The values of RMIabiotic for the CA-S, the VRF-S, the H2-S and the SNG-S are reduced from 57.0%
up toThe
77.8%. The Hanalyses
inventory 2-S has the for the lowest
CA-S RMI
and thewith
abiotic SL-B48arekg·MWhon
based −1 followed by the CA-S with 64
a few publications as they have
kg·far
so MWh −1. The RMIabiotic of the SNG-S is 80 kg·MWh−1, of the SL-B 87 kg·MWh−1 and of the VRF-B 88
only been implemented in some pilot projects. Especially the analysis results of the CA-S are
kg·MWh−1. with
associated The RMI abiotic of the LiI-B,
a comparatively highthe NaS-B of
number and the PbA-B remains
assumptions about the constant. The detailed
dimensions data
and material
for the RMI and the TMR are shown in the Appendix A (Tables A8 and
composition. In addition, its use is tied to specific geographical locations. In Germany, there are only
abiotic abiotic A9). In addition, the
variation
ten of some
lakes with a depthparameters
of more than affecting
50 m, only
whichspecific EEST was
is the necessary analysed:
water storagematerial composition
depth. The of
depth of the
VRF-B,Sea
Baltic energy
is only mix
upfor
to 40 COm2 capture
in German in the SNG-S,
coastal increase
regions. in North
In the water Sea,
storage
the depth forofthe
problem CA-S
low tide and
has
primary
to energy demand
be considered. For the forSL-Baluminum of NaS-B.
it is still unclear how However, the results
battery cells did not lead
from different to a changecan
manufacturers in the
be
rankingtoof
linked the other,
each EEST how
regarding the material
cost-intensive or carbon footprint.
the inspection of the cells before the second application is and
how fast the capacity of the batteries decreases during use. In addition, their broader use is strongly
6. Discussion
dependent on the, so far very slow, increase in number of electric vehicles.
The barriers
The inventory foranalyses
the use offorthetheCA-S
CA-Sand thethe
and SL-B show
SL-B are that
basedthose
on atechnologies have either
few publications as theylimited
have
potential
so far onlycapacity for a country
been implemented in like
someGermany or need
pilot projects. further the
Especially development. Therefore,
analysis results one may
of the CA-S are
expect that various technologies have to be applied to meet future storage requirements.
associated with a comparatively high number of assumptions about the dimensions and material In particular,
the demand for
composition. LiI-B cellsits
In addition, hasuseexperienced an exponential
is tied to specific increase
geographical in the last
locations. decades, due
In Germany, theretoare
theonly
use
in
tenconsumer
lakes withgoods,
a depthleading
of moreto a continuous
than further
50 m, which development
is the and improvement
necessary water storage depth.ofThe
thisdepth
type of
of
the Baltic Sea is only up to 40 m in German coastal regions. In the North Sea, the problem of low tide
has to be considered. For the SL-B it is still unclear how battery cells from different manufacturers
can be linked to each other, how cost-intensive the inspection of the cells before the second
application is and how fast the capacity of the batteries decreases during use. In addition, their
broader use is strongly dependent on the, so far very slow, increase in number of electric vehicles.
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 12 of 25

battery. A complete recycling of the LiI-B is not yet state of the art, as it focuses only on the recovery
of cobalt and nickel [43]. This disadvantage promotes their use as SL-B until a complete recycling is
economical. In comparison PbA-B are almost 100% recycled in Europe and the United States [44].
A general problem of LCA is outdated data and data lacks. The results of the inventory for the
VRF-B are based on data from the year 1999 [7]. Presumably, the material composition and production
processes for currently manufactured batteries have changed. In addition, as some key components
for the power-to-gas technologies are still under development, several assumptions had to be made for
the calculation of the material and carbon footprint, including the composition of the energy mix for
the production phase. In addition, the 10 years lifetime of the second life of the SL-B is an assumption
that is associated with high uncertainties, as there are no reliable data available so far.

7. Conclusions
The aim of the study was to compare different EEST regarding their material and carbon footprint
per fed-out electricity within a comparable application as a storage system for a renewable energy
power plant. The results show a clear order for the SL-B, LiI-B, CA-S, H2 -S and VRF-B. Their material
footprint (measured by TMR) ranges from 168 to 532 kg·MWh−1 and their carbon footprint from 9 to
53 kg CO2 eq·MWh−1 . The PbA-B has by far the highest material footprint with 3417 kg·MWh−1 and
the NaS-B has the highest carbon footprint with 176 kg CO2 eq·MWh−1 . The fact, that EEST with lower
GHG emissions also show a lower material use, is indicating a strong correlation between the carbon
and material footprint.
The variation of the assumptions and the significant parameters has not shown a strong influence
on the ranking of the EEST. Only a shorter lifetime leads to stronger shifts. Since all technologies are
continuously further developed, it can be assumed that the lifetime will rather increase in the future.
The sensitivity analysis showed that the material and carbon footprint of the power-to-gas storages
as well as of the CA-S could be reduced significantly by increasing the storage capacity. This is
consistent with other findings that power-to-gas technologies are particularly suitable as long-term
storage solutions [27]. Therefore, these technologies should not only be used as long-term storages
due to their technical ability, but also because of lower GHG emissions and material use.
For nearly all EEST the production phase is accounting for the highest share of the material and
carbon footprint. However, the sensitivity analysis shows that the results are sensitive to the ratio of
primary to secondary material and energy-mix. Therefore, an increased share of secondary material
and the use of energy from renewable sources in the production phase could significantly reduce the
impact on climate change and material use of the EEST.
There is little influence on the results from the use phase, because the electrical energy fed-in is
considered burden free, as it is electrical excess energy that would not have been used without the
additional storage. This is also the reason why the results for GWI are very low compared to other
findings [14]. Taking into account grid electricity and losses, the values are in a comparable order
of magnitude. Recycling could have a significant influence on the results and reduce the material
footprint especially of EEST with high material intensity. The EoL phase was not considered, as there
are currently not sufficient data and information available. In Germany, there is a statutory obligation
for consumers to return used batteries and a return obligation for manufacturers [45].
The defined use case for the excess electricity, one full loading cycle per day, may not be fully
representative for all energy systems. In Germany, photovoltaic power plants achieve between 210
and 250 full loading cycles per year and wind energy power plants less than 100. The usage period
of 20 years for renewable power plants is mainly justified by the German Renewable Energy Act,
due to the limitation of the feed in tariffs and the uncertainty to which degree the plants would be
operated thereafter. Therefore, we will analyse different excess electricity scenarios with different
usage periods in the future to have more detailed information about the strength and weaknesses
of the storage technologies and their possible contribution to climate protection and sustainable
material consumption.
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 13 of 25

Author Contributions: B.O. collected the data and performed the calculations. C.M. reviewed the results and
wrote the article. S.B. initiated and coordinated the work. T.M.K. gave valuable guidance on electrical energy
storage technologies. All the authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Nomenclature
a year
d day
m GHG mass of greenhouse gas
m material mass of material
coeff extraction extraction coefficient
CF characterization factor
CFRMI characterization factor for RMI
CFTMR characterization factor for TMR
CRD cumulated raw material demand
DoD depth of discharge
FU functional unit
GWI global warming impact
GWP100 global warming potential for a time horizon of 100 years
RMI raw material input
RMIabiotic raw material input abiotic
RMIbiotic raw material input biotic
TMR total material requirement
TMRabiotic total material requirement abiotic
TMRbiotic total material requirement biotic
η EEST efficiency of the electrical energy storage technologies
Acronyms
CA-S underwater compressed air energy storage
CHP combined heat and power
EEST electrical energy storage technologies
EoL end of life
GHG greenhouse gas
H2 -S power-to-gas hydrogen storage
LCA life cycle assessment
LCIA life cycle impact assessment
Lil-B lithium-ion battery
MIPS material input per service unit
NaS-B sodium-sulphur battery
PbA-B lead-acid battery
SL-B second-life battery
SNG-S power-to-gas synthetic natural gas storage
VRF-B vanadium redox flow battery
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 14 of 25

Appendix A

Table A1. Ranking of electrical energy storage technologies for GWI with normal, shorter and
longer lifetime.

GWI (kg CO2 eq·MWh−1 ) SL-B LiI-B CA-S H2 -S VRF-B SNG-S PbA-B NaS-B
Normal lifetime Value 8.88 11.41 27.33 46.56 53.08 92.09 148.77 175.84
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Shorter lifetime 30.37 47.42 32.37 62.08 97.29 112.16 370.08 298.48
Change [%] +241.9 +315.5 +18.4 +33.3 +83.3 +21.8 +148.8 +69.7
Rank 1 3 2 4 5 6 8 7
Longer lifetime 6.15 8.66 27.33 38.92 50.51 82.20 94.70 112.67
Change [%] −30.8 −24.1 0.0 −16.4 −4.9 −10.7 −36.3 −35.9
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Table A2. Ranking of electrical energy storage technologies for RMI abiotic with normal, shorter and
longer lifetime.

RMIabiotic (kg·MWh−1 ) SL-B LiI-B CA-S H2 -S VRF-B SNG-S PbA NaS-B

Normal lifetime Value 87 118 149 189 240 360 2414 269
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 6
Shorter lifetime 318 505 155 246 447 433 6032 455
Change [%] +266.5 +327.3 +3.8 +30.1 +86.0 +20.5 +149.8 +69.3
Rank 3 7 1 2 5 4 8 6
Longer lifetime 57 89 149 161 228 323 1531 173
Change [%] −33.9 −25.0 0.0 −14.8 −5.0 −10.1 −36.6 −35.7
Rank 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 5

Table A3. Ranking of electrical energy storage technologies for TMR abiotic with normal, shorter and
longer lifetime.

TMRabiotic (kg·MWh−1 ) SL-B LiI-B CA-S H2 -S VRF-B SNG-S PbA NaS-B

Normal lifetime 168 229 309 387 531 686 3411 595
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 6
Shorter lifetime 614 976 320 499 988 830 8517 1008
Change [%] +265.5 +326.8 +3.6 +28.8 +86.0 +21.0 +149.7 +69.3
Rank 3 5 1 2 6 4 8 7
Longer lifetime 111 172 309 332 504 615 2163 383
Change [%] −33.8 −25.0 0.00 −14.2 −5.0 −10.3 −36.6 −35.7
Rank 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 5

Table A4. Ranking of electrical energy storage technologies for GWI with 2 and 8 MWh storage capacity.

GWI (kg CO2 eq·MWh−1 ) SL-B LiI-B CA-S H2 -S VRF-B SNG-S PbA-B NaS-B
2 MWh 8.88 11.41 27.33 46.56 53.08 92.09 148.77 175.84
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
8 MWh 8.88 11.41 20.45 12.07 42.70 20.96 148.77 175.84
Change (%) 0.0 0.0 −25.2 −74.1 −19.6 −77.2 0.0 0.0
Rank 1 2 4 3 6 5 7 8

Table A5. Ranking of electrical energy storage technologies for RMI abiotic with 2 and 8 MWh
storage capacity.

RMIabiotic (kg·MWh−1 ) SL-B LiI-B CA-S H2 -S VRF-B SNG-S PbA NaS-B

2 MWh 87 118 149 189 240 360 2414 269
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 6
8 MWh capacity 87 118 64 48 88 80 2414 269
Change (%) 0.0 0.0 −57.0 −74.6 −63.3 −77.8 0.0 0.0
Rank 4 6 2 1 5 3 8 7
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 15 of 25

Table A6. Ranking of electrical energy storage technologies for TMR abiotic with 2 and 8 MWh
storage capacity.

TMRabiotic (kg·MWh−1 ) SL-B LiI-B CA-S H2 -S VRF-B SNG-S PbA NaS-B

2 MWh 168 229 309 387 531 686 3411 595
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 6
8 MWh 168 229 123 98 208 158 3411 595
Change (%) 0.0 0.0 −60.2 −75.7 −60.8 −77.0 0.0 0.0
Rank 4 6 2 1 5 3 8 7

Appendix B

Table A7. Manufacturing, Intermodal container 40’ high cube.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
market for steel, low-alloyed, hot
steel, low-alloyed, hot rolled—GLO kg 1896
rolled, cut-off, U-GLO
roundwood, meranti from sustainable market for roundwood, meranti from
forest management, under m3 0.4 sustainable forest management, under
bark—GLO bark, cut-off, U-GLO
Outputs
Intermodal container 40’ high-cube Item (s) 1

Table A8. Manufacturing, Intermodal container 20’ high cube.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
market for steel, low-alloyed, hot
steel, low-alloyed, hot rolled—GLO kg 3232
rolled, cut-off, U-GLO
roundwood, meranti from sustainable market for roundwood, meranti from
forest management, under m3 0.8 sustainable forest management, under
bark—GLO bark, cut-off, U-GLO
Outputs
Intermodal container 20’ high-cube Item (s) 1

Table A9. Manufacturing, Electrolyseur.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
transport, freight, sea, transoceanic market for transport, freight, sea,
kg * km 1.61 × 108
ship—GLO transoceanic ship, cut-off, U-GLO
market for steel, chromium steel 18/8,
steel, chromium steel 18/8—GLO t 19.38
cut-off, U-GLO
market for steel. low-alloyed, hot
steel, low-alloyed, hot rolled—GLO t 16.53
rolled, cut-off, U-GLO
Iridium, in ground g 15.96
Platinum—GLO g 5.32 market for platinum, cut-off, U-GLO
Manufacturing, Intermodal container
Intermodal container 40’ high-cube Item(s) 2
40’ high cube
Outputs
Electrolyseur Item (s) 1
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 16 of 25

Table A10. Production, Hydrogen.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
water production for electrolysis,
water, ultrapure—DE kg 8.92
ultrapure—DE
Electrolyseur Item (s) 3.75 × 10−6 Manufacturing, Electrolyseur
electricity voltage transformation from high to
electricity, low voltage—DE kWh 0
low voltage, wind power (1–3 MW)
Outputs
Hydrogen kg 1

Table A11. Transport Hydrogen.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
transport, pipeline, long distance, transport, pipeline, long distance,
t * km 0.05
natural gas—DE hydrogen, cut-off, U-DE
Hydrogen kg 1 Production, Hydrogen
Outputs
Hydrogen, transported kg 1

Table A12. Reconversion, Hydrogen.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
Hydrogen, transported kg 266,717 Transport, Hydrogen
heat and power co-generation unit
heat and power co-generation
construction, 1MW electrical,
unit, 1MW electrical, components Item (s) 1
components for electricity only,
for electricity only—RER
cut-off, U-RER
Outputs
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 3557

Table A13. Capturing CO2 from biogas.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
electricity voltage transformation from high to
electricity, low voltage—DE kWh 0.1136
low voltage, wind power (1–3 MW)
Outputs
Captured CO2 kg 1
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 17 of 25

Table A14. Production and Transport, SNG.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
Captured CO2 kg 2.68 Capturing CO2 from biogas
Hydrogen kg 0.5061 Production, Hydrogen
transport, pipeline, long distance, transport, pipeline, SNG, cut-off,
t * km 0.05
natural gas—DE U-DE
synthetic gas factory construction,
synthetic gas factory—DE Item (s) 3.21 × 10−7
cut-off, U-DE
electricity voltage transformation
electricity, low voltage—DE kWh 0 from high to low voltage, wind power
(1–3 MW)
Outputs
SNG kg 1

Table A15. Reconversion, SNG.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
SNG t 513 Production and Transport, SNG
heat and power co-generation unit
heat and power co-generation
construction, 1MW electrical,
unit, 1MW electrical, components Item (s) 1
components for electricity only,
for electricity only—RER
cut-off, U-RER
Outputs
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 2676

Table A16. Manufacturing Electrode, PbA-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
treatment of scrap lead acid battery, remelting,
lead—RER kg 11.73
cut-off, U-RER
market for graphite, battery grade, cut-off,
graphite, battery grade—GLO kg 3.67
U-GLO
primary lead production from concentrate,
lead—GLO kg 2.93
cut-off, U-GLO
sulfuric acid—GLO kg 2.20 market for sulfuric acid, cut-off, U-GLO
water, ultrapure—GLO kg 1.47 market for water, ultrapure, cut-off, U-GLO
heat, district or industrial, natural market for heat, district or industrial, natural
kWh 1.32
gas—RoW gas, cut-off, U-RoW
Outputs
Electrode, PbA-B kg 1
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 18 of 25

Table A17. Manufacturing Electrolyte, PbA-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
market for silica fume, densified, cut-off,
silica fume, densified—GLO kg 1.07
U-GLO
water, ultrapure—DE kg 0.7 water production for electrolysis, ultrapure-DE
sulfuric acid—RER kg 0.3 sulfuric acid production, cut-off, U-RER
Outputs
Electrolyte, PbA-B kg 1

Table A18. Manufacturing, PbA-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
heat, district or industrial, market for heat, district or industrial, natural gas,
MJ 167.75
natural gas—RoW cut-off, U-RoW
electricity, medium
MJ 120.12 market for electricity, medium voltage, cut-off, U-CN
voltage—CN
Electrode, PbA-B kg 22 Manufacturing Electrode, PbA-B
treatment of scrap lead acid battery, remelting, cut-off,
lead—RER kg 13.2
U-RER
Electrolyte, PbA-B kg 11 Manufacturing Electrolyte, PbA-B
polypropylene,
kg 4.4 market for polypropylene, granulate, cut-off, U-GLO
granulate—GLO
primary lead production from concentrate, cut-off,
lead—GLO kg 3.3
U-GLO
phenolic resin—GLO kg 1.1 market for phenolic resin, cut-off, U-GLO
Outputs
PbA-B Item (s) 1

Table A19. Manufacturing Storage, PbA-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
PbA-B Item (s) 6.739 Manufacturing, PbA-B
Intermodal container 40’
Item (s) 2 Manufacturing, Intermodal container 40’ high cube
high-cube
transport, freight, sea, market for transport, freight, sea, transoceanic ship,
kg * km 7.92 × 109
transoceanic ship—GLO cut-off, U-GLO
Outputs
Storage, PbA-B Item (s) 1

Table A20. Use Storage, PbA-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
Storage, PbA-B Item (s) 1 Manufacturing Storage, PbA-B
electricity production, wind, 1–3 MW turbine,
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 0
onshore, cut-off, U-DE
Outputs
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 11,899
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 19 of 25

Table A21. Manufacturing, VRF-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
water, ultrapure—DE kg 62,506 water production for electrolysis, ultrapure—DE
sulfuric acid—RER kg 33,906 sulfuric acid production, cut-off, U-RER
steel, low-alloyed, hot market for steel, low-alloyed, hot rolled, cut-off,
kg 13,978
rolled—GLO U-GLO
vanadium pentoxide kg 13,161 vanadium pentoxide, production
copper—GLO kg 7360 market for copper, cut-off, U-GLO
polypropylene, market for polypropylene, granulate, cut-off,
kg 3333
granulate—GLO U-GLO
graphite, battery
kg 2400 market for graphite, battery grade, cut-off, U-GLO
grade—GLO
heat, district or industrial, market for heat, district or industrial, natural gas,
GJ 1929.58
natural gas—RoW cut-off, U-RoW
electricity, medium market for electricity, medium voltage, cut-off,
GJ 516.25
voltage—CN U-CN
Outputs
VRF-B Item (s) 1

Table A22. Manufacturing Storage, VRF-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
VRF-B Item (s) 2.11 Manufacturing, VRF-B
Intermodal container 20’
Item (s) 10 Manufacturing, Intermodal container 20’ high cube
high-cube
transport, freight, sea, market for transport, freight, sea, transoceanic ship,
kg * km 7.28 × 109
transoceanic ship—GLO cut-off, U-GLO
Outputs
Storage, VRF-B Item (s) 1

Table A23. Use Storage, VRF-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
Storage, VRF-B Item (s) 1 Manufacturing Storage, VRF-B
electricity production, wind, 1–3 MW turbine,
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 0
onshore, cut-off, U-DE
Outputs
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 11,240
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 20 of 25

Table A24. Manufacturing, LiI-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
anode, graphite, for market for anode, graphite, for lithium-ion
kg 0.4011
lithium-ion battery—GLO battery, cut-off, U-GLO
cathode, LiMn2O4, for market for cathode, LiMn2O4, for lithium-ion
kg 0.3269
lithium-ion battery—GLO battery, cut-off, U-GLO
ethylene carbonate—GLO kg 0.1596 market for ethylene carbonate, cut-off, U-GLO
electricity, medium market for electricity, medium voltage, cut-off,
kWh 0.1056
voltage—CN U-CN
polyethylene, low density, market for polyethylene, low density,
kg 0.0733
granulate—GLO granulate, cut-off, U-GLO
market for extrusion, plastic film, cut-off,
extrusion, plastic film—GLO kg 0.0733
U-GLO
heat, district or industrial, market for heat, district or industrial, natural
MJ 0.0652
natural gas—RoW gas, cut-off, U-RoW
battery separator—GLO kg 0.0537 market for batt. sep., cut-off, U-GLO
lithium market for lithium hexafluorophosphate,
kg 0.0190
hexafluorophosphate—GLO cut-off, U-GLO
sheet rolling, market for sheet rolling, aluminium, cut-off,
kg 0.0165
aluminium—GLO U-GLO
aluminium, wrought market for aluminium, wrought alloy, cut-off,
kg 0.0165
alloy—GLO U-GLO
nitrogen, liquid—RoW kg 0.01 market for nitrogen, liquid, cut-off, U-RoW
chemical factory, 4.00 × market for chemical factory, organics, cut-off,
Item (s)
organics—GLO 10−10 U-GLO
Outputs
LiI-B Item (s) 1

Table A25. Manufacturing Storage, LiI-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
LiI-B kg 34,800 Manufacturing, LiI-B
Intermodal container 40’
Item (s) 1 Manufacturing, Intermodal container 40’ high cube
high-cube
transport, freight, sea, market for transport, freight, sea, transoceanic ship,
kg * km 8.09 × 108
transoceanic ship—GLO cut-off, U-GLO
Outputs
Storage, LiI-B Item (s) 1
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 21 of 25

Table A26. Use Storage, LiI-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
Storage, LiI-B Item (s) 1 Manufacturing Storage, LiI-B
electricity production, wind, 1–3 MW turbine,
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 0
onshore, cut-off, U-DE
Outputs
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 13,651

Table A27. Manufacturing, NaS-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
heat, district or industrial, market for heat, district or industrial, natural
MJ 495
natural gas—RoW gas, cut-off, U-RoW
electricity, medium market for electricity, medium voltage, cut-off,
MJ 81.41
voltage—CN U-CN
steel, chromium steel market for steel, chromium steel 18/8, cut-off,
kg 1.6324
18/8—GLO U-GLO
sulfur—GLO kg 1.0547 market for sulfur, cut-off, U-GLO
aluminium oxide—GLO kg 0.9635 market for aluminium oxide, cut-off, U-GLO
sodium—GLO kg 0.6307 market for sodium, cut-off, U-GLO
glass, borosilicate kg 0.3392 glass, borosilicate, cut-off, U-RoW
aluminium oxide—GLO kg 0.2332 market for aluminium oxide, cut-off, U-GLO
graphite, battery market for graphite, battery grade, cut-off,
kg 0.2067
grade—GLO U-GLO
copper—GLO kg 0.1325 market for copper, cut-off, U-GLO
sodium aluminate, market for sodium aluminate, powder, cut-off,
kg 0.0857
powder—GLO U-GLO
magnesium oxide—GLO kg 0.0214 market for magnesium oxide, cut-off, U-GLO
Outputs
NaS-B Item (s) 1

Table A28. Manufacturing Storage, NaS-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
steel, low-alloyed, hot market for steel, low-alloyed, hot rolled, cut-off,
t 7.2
rolled—GLO U-GLO
sand—GLO kg 141,000 market for sand, cut-off, U-GLO
steel, chromium steel market for steel, chromium steel 18/8, cut-off,
kg 4982
18/8—GLO U-GLO
battery cell, NaS—JP Item (s) 36,096 Battery cell production, NaS-JP
transport, freight, sea, market for transport, freight, sea, transoceanic
kg * km 4.03 × 109
transoceanic ship—GLO ship, cut-off, U-GLO
Outputs
Storage, NaS-B Item (s) 1
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 22 of 25

Table A29. Use Storage, NaS-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
Storage, NaS-B Item (s) 1 Manufacturing Storage, NaS-B
electricity production, wind, 1–3 MW turbine,
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 0
onshore, cut-off, U-DE
Outputs
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 11,169

Table A30. Manufacturing, CA-S.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
transport, freight, sea, market for transport, freight, sea, transoceanic
kg * km 1.61 × 108
transoceanic ship—GLO ship, cut-off, U-GLO
naphtha—RoW kg 44,640 market for naphtha, cut-off, U-RoW
steel, low-alloyed, hot market for steel, low-alloyed, hot rolled, cut-off,
kg 6052
rolled—GLO U-GLO
polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate production,
kg 3317
granulate, amorphous—RER granulate, amorphous, cut-off, U-RER
nylon 6-6—RER kg 3103 nylon 6-6 production, cut-off, U-RER
steel, chromium steel market for steel, chromium steel 18/8, cut-off,
kg 2253
18/8—GLO U-GLO
electric motor, electric electric motor production, vehicle (electric
kg 996
passenger car—GLO powertrain), cut-off, U-GLO
air compressor, screw-type air compressor production, screw-type
Item (s) 6.27
compressor, 300 kW—RER compressor, 300 kW, cut-off, U-RER
generator, 200 kW generator production, 200 kW electrical, cut-off,
Item (s) 5.36
electrical—RER U-RER
air compressor, screw-type air compressor production, screw-type
Item (s) 4.3
compressor, 300 kW—RER compressor, 300 kW, cut-off, U-RER
Intermodal container 40’ Manufacturing, Intermodal container 40’ high
Item (s) 2
high-cube cube
Outputs
CA-S Item (s) 1

Table A31. Use, CA-S.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
CA-S Item (s) 1 Manufacturing, CA-S
electricity production, wind, 1–3 MW turbine,
electricity, high voltage—DE kWh 0
onshore, cut-off, U-DE
Outputs
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 7826
Energies 2018, 11, 3386 23 of 25

Table A32. Manufacturing Storage, SL-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
battery cell production, Li-ion, cut-off, U _w/o
battery cell, Li-ion—CN kg 25,000
used battery—CN
Intermodal container 40’ Manufacturing, Intermodal container 40’ high
Item (s) 2
high-cube cube
transport, freight, sea, market for transport, freight, sea, transoceanic
kg * km 6.84 × 108
transoceanic ship—GLO ship, cut-off, U-GLO
Outputs
Storage, SL-B Item (s) 1

Table A33. Use Storage, SL-B.

Unit Amount Process

Inputs
Storage, SL-B Item (s) 1 Manufacturing storage, SL-B
electricity production, wind, 1–3 MW turbine,
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 0
onshore, cut-off, U-DE
Outputs
electricity, high voltage—DE MWh 13,651

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