1. How would you describe the current state of the electrochemical storage sector, and what are its main challenges today?

The sector is experiencing a period of great dynamism. The electrification of mobility and the massive integration of renewable energies are driving an unprecedented demand for storage solutions. However, major challenges remain: dependence on critical raw materials, the need to reduce costs, extend battery lifespan, and improve sustainability. The sector is evolving rapidly but must still balance technological innovation with industrial scalability.

2. Solid-state batteries are often presented as one of the technologies that could revolutionize the market. What opportunities and challenges do you see in their development and implementation?

Solid-state batteries offer very clear advantages: higher energy density, greater safety by eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes, and the possibility of working with new materials. However, the challenges are significant. Technically, the durability of solid electrolytes and interface compatibility with electrodes still need to be solved. From an industrial standpoint, the main challenge is achieving competitive large-scale manufacturing processes. It will be a transformative technology, but its mass deployment will still require several more years of development.

3. Ceramic electrolytes appear to be a key component in solid-state battery development. What advantages do they offer, and what limitations must be addressed for industrial adoption?

Ceramic electrolytes have a major advantage: their thermal and chemical stability, which makes them very attractive for improving battery safety. In addition, some exhibit ionic conductivity comparable to liquid electrolytes. The challenge lies in processing: they tend to be brittle, difficult to integrate into cells, and expensive to manufacture at industrial scales. The scientific community, including CIC energiGUNE, is working to develop new compositions and fabrication methods to overcome these barriers.

4. Sodium is gaining attention as an alternative to lithium. In which cases do you see sodium batteries as most viable, and what role can they play in the energy transition?

Sodium is an interesting alternative because it is much more abundant and accessible than lithium, reducing dependence on critical raw materials. Although it offers slightly lower energy density, it can be perfectly viable in applications where cost and sustainability matter more than compactness, such as stationary grid storage. In this sense, sodium batteries can complement lithium and become a key solution to ensure stable and affordable energy supply.

5. Degradation mechanisms remain one of the main barriers to battery lifetime. What progress is being made in understanding and mitigating them?

We now have much more sophisticated tools to understand degradation, such as operando analysis and advanced characterization that let us observe what happens inside the battery in real time. This has allowed us to identify key degradation processes, from dendrite formation to parasitic reactions at electrodes. With this knowledge, we are advancing mitigation strategies such as designing protective coatings, developing more stable electrolytes, and optimizing charging protocols. All this translates into more durable and reliable batteries.

6. Beyond lithium-ion technologies, alternatives such as redox flow batteries are beginning to gain ground. What potential do they have, and which applications might they serve better than other chemistries?

Redox flow batteries have enormous potential for stationary storage because they allow power and capacity to be decoupled, making it easier to scale large systems. They are especially attractive for grid and renewable energy applications, where long-term stability and high cycling are required. They will not compete with lithium in mobility, but they can be a key piece in ensuring flexibility and resilience in future electrical systems.

7. From a business perspective, what market outlook do you foresee for electrochemical storage in the coming years?

All forecasts agree on exponential market growth. The electrification of transport and the energy transition are irreversible, and electrochemical storage is an essential enabler. We will see strong competition among technologies and likely greater diversification: there will not be a single solution, but several chemistries that will coexist and complement each other depending on the application. For industry, this is a time of great opportunity, but also of rapid adaptation to a continuously evolving technological landscape.

8. What role does CIC energiGUNE play in this ecosystem, and how does it help drive the development and transfer of these technologies to industry?

CIC energiGUNE plays a key role as a bridge between frontier research and industrial application. Our center combines cutting-edge research in new materials, advanced characterization, and modeling with a strong commitment to technology transfer. Through collaborations with companies, we participate across the entire value chain—from fundamental research to demonstrators and pilot projects. This allows us not only to generate knowledge but also to accelerate the arrival of competitive solutions to the market, actively contributing to Europe’s technological and energy autonomy.