I am devoted to scientific research, but you want to trick me into having a love relationship?

Chapter 669 The nation wants to hear your opinion

The lithium dendrite group is working diligently and plans to submit various proposals within a week. The shuttle effect group is not to be outdone. Using the core suppression mechanism, they are screening from three areas: physical confinement, chemical adsorption, and catalytic conversion. They are rapidly identifying candidate materials with high porosity, high nitrogen doping, and high metal dispersion through BET, XPS, EPR, and other methods.

This caused quite a stir in the research institute, turning the usually quiet place into a tense atmosphere.

Xu Qingzhou was pleased with this outcome.

Pressure can be a motivator, and fair competition can stimulate everyone's creativity.

Of course, it's also because the research institute has the funds to support everyone's hard work. The production activities of nearly a hundred people involve terrifying expenses.

Fortunately, as various patents for superconducting thin films and batteries were sold, funds continued to flow into the company's account.

The experiment was in full swing when, on April 26, someone unexpected came to Xu Qingzhou's office.

"This is Han Qifeng, the director of the National Energy Administration."

"Director Han, hello." Xu Qingzhou greeted him; he had just come out of the laboratory.

"Professor Xu, I have long heard that you are a promising young man who has already made many achievements. Meeting you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved."

The elderly man, with some gray hair at his temples, said with a smile.

Although the other party was very amiable, Xu Qingzhou still sensed an imposing aura emanating from him, a person in a high position.

"You flatter me."

"Professor Xu, Director Han Qifeng, I still have some work to take care of. You two go ahead and do your work."

Having brought the person there, Ji Yunshi didn't keep him any longer and made an excuse to leave first.

There were only two people left in the office.

Xu Qingzhou gestured for Han Qifeng to sit down.

"I hope my unannounced visit hasn't disturbed Professor Xu's work?" Han Qifeng asked with a smile.

Xu Qingzhou poured tea for the other party and said, "You're too kind. The establishment of the research institute went so smoothly, which is inseparable from your and the Ministry of Energy's support."

Although it was just small talk, Xu Qingzhou's words were not wrong. The Ministry of Energy had given its approval to set up the research institute. Putting aside the site construction, the country invested 2 million yuan in experimental funding, a significant portion of which went through the Ministry of Energy's channels.

The two exchanged pleasantries.

"The reason I didn't come through official channels this time is because I personally wanted to consult Professor Xu on some issues. You are a young expert with foresight and knowledge, and perhaps you can give us some ideas."

Han Qifeng then got to the point.

"Please tell me, I will answer to the best of my knowledge."

Xu Qingzhou said seriously.

Han Qifeng said in a deep voice: "The technological competition in the energy field is intensifying. Professor Xu, what is your view on the current energy landscape, or what do you think the future direction of energy development will be?"

"My stance remains unchanged: in the context of time and space, controlled nuclear fusion is still the ultimate energy source for humanity's future."

Xu Qingzhou calmly stated, "I firmly believe that within the next 10 years, lithium-sulfur batteries have a much brighter future compared to lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. For example, regarding solid-state batteries, I remain optimistic about lithium-sulfur batteries."

"In the past six months, solid-state batteries have achieved remarkable results, with leading companies announcing that they can now produce new energy vehicles with a range of over 1000 kilometers. Do you still hold your opinion?"

"Yes."

Han Qifeng continued, "As you know, the 13th Five-Year Plan ends this year, and the country will soon begin the next five-year plan, in which energy will be a top priority. You are an expert in this field, and we would like to hear your opinion."

"Currently, the global market size for lithium-sulfur batteries is estimated at around 500 billion, but the market size for solid-state batteries is expected to reach 2500 billion US dollars in 2021."

In fact, before 2020, the market size of lithium-sulfur batteries was even larger than that of solid-state batteries to some extent. Lithium-sulfur batteries have obvious technical defects, but the material cost is low and they can be compatible with existing production lines, especially in specific scenarios with rigid requirements, such as drones and special equipment.

There is already considerable demand in these two areas alone, but that's about it.

In contrast, solid-state batteries were previously in the research and development stage and the market size was not large. However, once the technological limitations were overcome, the market size will grow like a rocket.

Xu Qingzhou said, "Market selection is not necessarily the optimal technological solution, but rather the result of a balance between cost and feasibility. This does not mean that it is better than lithium-sulfur batteries. Just like lithium-ion batteries, they are not the top priority, but more due to technological limitations that prevent the development of more efficient batteries."

He knew why he came. The 14th Five-Year Plan will definitely increase investment in the battery sector; the question is whether this investment will be tilted towards solid-state batteries or lithium-sulfur batteries.

"Professor Xu has a thorough understanding of economic principles."

Han Qifeng smiled and offered a compliment.

Xu Qingzhou smiled modestly. In the past, he would have focused more on technology, but things were different now. He spent every day by Song Yao's side and would occasionally read a couple of books on economics.

"Although we are laymen, we know that lithium-sulfur batteries have a higher theoretical energy density, but we cannot deny that they still have fatal flaws."

Han Qifeng sighed.

"For a country with 14 billion people, the largest population base, the adjustment of the energy structure needs to be approached with utmost caution."

Xu Qingzhou nodded in understanding.

Han Qifeng already knew Xu Qingzhou's thoughts, and then asked with a smile, "As far as I know, you've been working on a lithium-sulfur battery project. Do you have any good news to share with us?"

"It went fairly smoothly," Xu Qingzhou said conservatively.

"Has there been a breakthrough?"

"Although there are new discoveries, when it comes to scientific research, I cannot guarantee that it is correct before the results are available."

Half an hour later.

The young man and the old man walked out of the administration building, and the secretary had already opened the car door.

"Professor Xu, please wait. We will definitely consider your opinion."

Han Qifeng also said to Xu Qingzhou.

"You walk slowly."

Xu Qingzhou escorted Han Qifeng to the car.

Currently, most people are more optimistic about solid-state batteries, while Han Qifeng belongs to the middle camp and has been visiting various experts recently.

The black car disappeared at the intersection, and Xu Qingzhou didn't linger, turning back to his office.

It's the end of April.

Xu Qingzhou poured himself another cup of tea and stood by the window.

A cool breeze slipped in through the cracks in the window and landed on my face.

April is one of the best times of the year, when everything comes back to life, the grass is lush and green, and everything is full of hope.

What Han Qifeng said is true. No matter how you look at it, solid-state batteries have significant advantages. Although the details of the 14th Five-Year Plan will not be officially announced until March next year, the relevant content will be proposed in October this year.

In other words, if a revolutionary breakthrough cannot be achieved before October, lithium-sulfur batteries will miss the opportunity presented by the 10th Five-Year Plan.

(End of this chapter)