Energy demand is expected to increase over time because of economic development and population growth. In order to meet high electricity demand, generation of electricity from coal and gas-fired power plants have raised resulting to the drive up of CO₂ emissions. In consequence, burning of coal and gas causes major environmental issues. Therefore, it is a must to develop an alternative energy source that can be used efficiently, does not contribute to CO­₂ emissions and can be stored easily. Synchrotron light source offers the possibility to study renewable energy producing systems and energy storage systems. Rechargeable batteries, photovoltaic panels, fuel cells and even hydrogen storage materials can be examined.

Here are some of the following techniques that can be used:

• X-ray powder diffraction is ideal for studying the structure of new battery materials produced in powder form. It could determine the lattice parameters and details of their crystal structure.
• Imaging of materials to scan for defects and imperfections in solids
• In situ studies of materials such as batteries to observe and understand the reaction mechanism in various physical/chemical processes