Energy Storage Technologies: Power-to-X

Abstract Energy storage has become a key technology in the energy transition from fossil fuel energy systems towards renewable electricity-based systems. Due to the diversity of ways in which energy can be stored, transported and consumed by society, it would be useful to identify which technology would be best for a given application. One subset of energy storage, called power-to-X (P2X), has been identified by industry and governments as a crucial set of technologies for achieving net-zero emissions. P2X technology, as a form of chemical energy storage, converts renewable electricity into useful chemicals for decarbonization of industrial sectors or for energy storage purposes. In many cases, P2X encompasses the group of energy storage vectors most closely mirroring the energetic and chemical properties of fossil fuels, and thus is well positioned to smooth the energy transition. In this chapter, various P2X fuels are discussed and compared with green ammonia, a leading P2X energy vector. Specific use cases and technologies are highlighted to demonstrate where ammonia has key advantages over other frontrunners, including hydrogen and methanol.