# World Bettering Batteries Salt and Paper Deliver Revolutionarily Cheap Electricity By Alexander Lam | Published 2009-09-22 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheap-electricity References: [technologyreview](http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/23472/page1/) Who would have thought that paper and salt could have made a [rechargeable battery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paleblue-usbc-cells)? Well, the Swedes did and now they’ve come up with a battery that uses pressed mats of cellulose fibers for electrodes and a salt solution that acts as the electrolyte. These batteries can be recharged tens of thousands of times, and have a long shelf life. However, they can only deliver one volt as compared to the [lithium battery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battery-sustainability), which can deliver four volts. With these eco-friendly batteries, many developing countries can and will be helped by their cheap, easy construction. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Eco-friendly Batteries:** Opportunities for developing low-cost, eco-friendly batteries using unconventional materials can lead to a huge market disruption, especially in emerging economies. - **Long-lasting Batteries:** Innovations in battery technology that can provide long life and durability can meet the needs of various battery-driven industries such as electric cars, mobile phone and laptop industries. - **Sustainable Energy Storage:** Energy storage technologies that promote sustainability and manage power supply intermittencies can provide innovative solutions for renewable energy providers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** Renewable energy technologies can benefit from new storage solutions that are cheaper, longer-lasting and more sustainable using unconventional materials. - **Automotive:** Innovations in e-mobility can help the electric and hybrid vehicle market scale hand in hand with sustainable energy solutions. - **Consumer Goods:** Companies that manufacture gadgets and home appliances such as laptops and mobile phones can benefit from more efficient and eco-friendly batteries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paper-Based Energy Storage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-battery.md) - [Recyclable Water-Based Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alsym-energy.md) - [Sand-Based Electric Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polar-night-energy.md) - [Heatwave-Resistant Alkaline Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-electric-power.md) - [Wood-Derived Sodium-Ion Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fraunhofer-ikts.md) - [Crustacean-Based Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crab-shell-batteries.md) - [Improved Battery Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battery-sustainability.md) - [Sustainable Rechargeable Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paleblue-usbc-cells.md) - [Stretchable Sweat-Activated Yarn Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarn-battery.md)