Technology Strategy Assessment
A subgroup of the authors of this report worked individually with 15 subject matter experts (SMEs) to understand the supercapacitor innovations that are currently being investigated, cost
In 2023, the average supercapacitor energy storage system ranged between $3,000-$5,000 per kWh – significantly higher than traditional batteries. But why does this gap exist, and when will it close? Unlike batteries that rely on chemical reactions, supercapacitors store energy electrostatically.
The capex costs of supercapacitors are contrasted with the costs of lithium ion batteries and the costs of flywheels in the chart below. A typical supercapacitor stores about 15 seconds of energy, for a capex cost of $10,000/kWh, but just $40/kW of power.
High capital cost and low energy density of supercapacitors make the unit cost of energy stored (kWh) more expensive than alternatives such as batteries. Their attributes make them attractive for uses in which frequent small charges/discharges are required (e.g., ensuring power quality or providing frequency regulation).
SMEs cited a lack of awareness about supercapacitor benefits and capabilities for the power system, and the significant challenge of integration into the broader energy storage conversation. Supercapacitors are developed within a small industry relative to other types of energy storage, such as batteries.
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