From Benjamin Franklin's jars to the future of the global power grid
What began in 1749 as a collection of linked capacitors is now a global industry poised to reshape our energy landscape. As we transition toward decarbonization, the humble battery is evolving from a simple disposable cell into a sophisticated pillar of the smart power grid.
The concept of the 'battery' was first applied by Benjamin Franklin in 174 semiconductor 49 to describe a group of linked Leyden jar capacitors, using a military metaphor for weapons working in unison. While Franklin focused on increasing charge storage, the true electrochemical revolution arrived in 1800 when Alessandro Volta described the voltaic pile. This device, using stacked copper and zinc plates separated by brine-soaked paper, provided a steady current, though Volta mistakenly believed the energy source was inexhaustible.
The evolution of battery technology has been a struggle between power and portability. Early 'wet cells' like the 1836 Daniell cell used liquid electrolytes in fragile glass jars, making them prone to leakage and unsuitable for mobile use. It was not until the late nineteenth century that 'dry cell' batteries, which utilized a paste electrolyte, made portable electronics practical. Today, we distinguish between primary batteries, which are single-use because their chemical reactions are irreversible, and secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion or lead-acid, which can be recharged by reversing the chemical process with an electric current.
The scale of battery utility is expanding dramatically. While miniature cells power hearing aids, massive battery banks the size of rooms support data centers. The industry is seeing unprecedented growth; between 2010 and 2018, demand rose by 30% annually, reaching 180 GWh. Projections suggest this demand could reach as much as 3562 GWh due to cost reductions. Beyond new production, a circular economy is emerging: electric vehicle batteries that have dropped below 80% capacity after 5–8 years of service are being repurposed for stationary energy storage, helping to stabilize smart grids.
Source: Electric battery
