World Economic Forum published a thought piece that we link to below, concerning the capacity of the battery supply chain.The triggers, according to their report, are booming electric car and grid storage battery sales. This situation emphasizes the urgency of resolving battery supply chain issues, through implementing a circular economy.
Factors Behind Current Battery Supply Chain Shortages
World Economic Forum expresses concerns over shortages, and disruptions due to geopolitics. As well as from shifting trade alliances, conflicts, extreme weather, and other factors that mask our reliance on newly-mined minerals.
Those disruptions are behind many nations inability to manage the growing number of batteries reaching their end of life. As well as continuing to tolerate the human and environmental issues associated with mineral mining.
Five Practical Steps Towards a Circular Battery Economy
The World Economic Forum recommends a five point plan for resolving battery supply chain bottlenecks, by embracing the following key issues:
- Develop standard, interoperable track-and-trace platforms.
- Set and finance universal performance and data standards.
- Intervene to help overcome economic and technical barriers.
- Create regional value chains within a global circular economy.
- Invest in the workforce needed for a circular battery economy.
Resolving Scarce Battery Supply Chain Minerals
The World Economic Forum expects that planned manufacturing capacity will be sufficient to meet demand. Therefore, the Forum is more concerned about there being sufficient raw materials to supply those battery producers.
The Forum speaks strongly against continuing to rely on a linear battery economy. Freshly-mined materials will not be sufficient, they warn, to meet global and national climate goals. This is especially the case, given the imperative to respect human rights and the environment.
But this is not to say we have to start from scratch, the Forum assures its readers. Much has already been achieved in terms of the preparatory stages. We just need to get out there, create the recycling structure, and get on with the job.
More Information
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