Powen CEO Jeff Waters discusses the scaling trajectory of utility-scale energy storage systems with host Stephen Lacey.
Opinion
Waters: US energy storage success requires partnering with Chinese companies
“The only way we're going to get anywhere in the U.S. Market with storage is by partnering with the Chinese.”
Prediction Open · timeframe Dec 2035
Waters: SMRs will not be a viable power source until the mid-2030s
“The challenge there is that between permitting and technology development that needs to happen, you're probably talking about, you know, mid 20 thirties before you see that become a real play.”
Prediction Open · timeframe Apr 2027
LFP battery pricing could drop to $25 per kWh within years
“There's a decent likelihood we'll continue to see pricing go down. You know, I've heard some claims that you could see it go down as far as, you know, from 50 dollars down to even 25 dollars over the course of the next couple of years. I think it's realistic t…”
Prediction Not checkable as stated
Waters: 8- to 12-hour storage applications will emerge and surpass LFP
“But you will start to see more eight-hour, twelve-hour type applications emerging. And I think as that happens, you'll see other technologies kick into gear that will enable that better than LFP.”
Prediction Not checkable as stated
Waters: US can gain full battery storage capability in 5-10 years
“If you do that and you partner it up with building the infrastructure like the Japanese did for semis, You can result, you know, in, in five to 10 years from now with the U.S. Having that same capability.”
Assertion Supported
Waters: Natural gas turbines ordered today have lead times until 2030
“You know, turbines today for natural gas, you know, if you place an order today, it's, you're not going to see that until, let's say, twenty-thirty.”