Cutting over to renewable energy cannot alleviate global warming on its own. We would have to decarbonize more than just that, to achieve our goals. Marine shipping contributes some 20% to the problem according to International Council on Transportation, and manufacturing a further 30% per U.S. Energy Star watchdog. Today we consider how local batteries could touch both those bases.
Local Batteries Could Slash European Emissions
Europe is not as rich in raw materials as United States, China, Africa, and Australia are. This is why the region traditionally imports raw materials, and exports finished goods. However, this comes with a transportation cost in both directions, and with that the burden of global warming.
German aggregator website Aussiedlerboter produced some interesting numbers when it assessed the European battery supply chain. China has become the leading source of raw materials and finished products in this sector, but that could change.
Aussiedlerboter reasons that Europe could benefit both environmentally and economically by manufacturing its own local batteries. Website Transport and the Environment (see link below) suggests that European Union (EU) could significantly reduce its emissions if it manufactured its own batteries.
EU Battery Manufacturing With 37% Less Emissions
The website Transport and the Environment comes to that conclusion after comparing emissions from electric vehicle production. Several factors combine positively to produce that likely benefit:
- The EU has a relatively high proportion of renewable energy resources coming on line. Manufacturing batteries within its own territory could produce 60% less emissions, compared to imported goods.
- European Union’s manufacturers have the technical capability to meet local demand for batteries. However, they would need to upscale their capacity, and funds may only be available for half the potential.
- Sourcing the raw materials locally would have further environmental and economic benefits. Europe could tap into its natural resources locally, while also recycling what it already has.
The EU plans to produce 10% of its new nickel and lithium by 2030. Norway has substantial, largely untapped deposits of raw materials in the North Sea. Aussiedlerboter’s assessment therefore appears probable, assuming its assumptions materialize in practice.
More Information
Greater Battery Recyclability in European Union
European Battery Opportunities Are Booming
