Zinc-air batteries provide power in remote areas
Remote villages in Africa and Asia are receiving electricity using a little-known type of technology: zinc-air batteries. The goal is to provide a battery that can capture renewable energy and store it for later use. California-based NantEnergy said Wednesday it has created a rechargeable zinc-air battery storage system that can provide power at a lower cost than lithium-ion systems. The technology has been deployed in more than 110 villages serving 200,000 people who have no other access to electricity in their communities, said NantEnergy chairman Patrick Soon-Shiong. "If you look at a map of Earth at night and you see where it's darkest, it's in Africa, Asia and developing countries," said Soon-Shiong, who is also the owner of the Los Angeles Times. "To reduce cost and be competitive ...