Part 1: Are Batteries the New Oil?
Description
We need to electrify much of the global economy in order to hit net-zero emissions by 2050. That means installing a lot of batteries in our cars, buildings, and across the grid to balance vast amounts of wind and solar.
The supply chain behind all those batteries could be worth nearly half a trillion dollars by 2030. Whoever controls that supply chain has enormous power – figuratively and literally.
In this episode, we explore the stakes of the battery-based transition. We’ll open up a lithium-ion battery, investigate what's inside it, and ask whether critical minerals will look anything like oil.
This is the first episode of a five-part series exploring the lithium-ion battery supply chain. In the next four episodes, we’ll cover each step of the process, from mining to recycling.
Batteries are essential energy storage devices that power a wide range of modern technologies from portable electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. These electrochemical cells convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy enabling the operation of devices without a constant connection to a power source. Advances in battery technology have led to the development of various types including lithium ion nickel-metal hydride, and solid-state For more info visit https://solarguyspro.com/collections/batteries Batteries each offering different benefits in terms of energy density lifespan and safety. Lithium-ion batteries in particular have revolutionized the market due to their high energy density and efficiency making them the preferred choice for smartphones laptops and electric cars.