It is a common misconception that batteries require rare earth metals. This has come about due to lithium batteries being used in vehicles where compactness and mobility are required.
There have been many advances in other types of energy storage. One type of battery is what is known as a solar flow battery using zinc bromine. These two minerals are common, cheap, fire safe (very important) and recyclable and are powering small towns, homes, and mobile phone towers in remote areas. Perhaps they may provide solar energy storage for ships of the future. Who knows?
There is an Australian company producing these.
https://redflow.com/