Can we build rechargeable batteries in concrete?

Some researchers want to build rechargeable batteries into concrete structures. Concrete, after water, is the world's most used material. Because it already surrounds us in the built environment, researchers have been exploring the idea of using concrete to store electricity—essentially making buildings that act as giant batteries.

Can a concrete battery be used as an energy source?

“It could also be coupled with solar cell panels, for example, to provide electricity and become the energy source for monitoring systems in highways or bridges, where sensors operated by a concrete battery could detect cracking or corrosion,” suggests Emma Zhang.

Could concrete be used to store electricity?

Because it already surrounds us in the built environment, researchers have been exploring the idea of using concrete to store electricity—essentially making buildings that act as giant batteries. The idea is gaining ground as many places come to increasingly rely on renewable energy from the wind and sun.

Could this dark lump of concrete represent the future of energy storage?

This innocuous, dark lump of concrete could represent the future of energy storage. The promise of most renewable energy sources is that of endless clean power, bestowed on us by the Sun, wind and sea. Yet the Sun isn't always shining, the wind isn't always blowing, and still waters do not, in megawatt terms, run deep.

Could a new'supercapacitor' concrete foundation Save Energy?

Since the new “supercapacitor” concrete would retain its strength, a house with a foundation made of this material could store a day’s worth of energy produced by solar panels or windmills, and allow it to be used whenever it’s needed.