The World Economic Forum’s Global Battery Alliance issued a milestone report on September 19, 2019. Their ‘Vision for a Sustainable Battery Value Chain in 2030’ describes the role of rechargeable batteries in achieving the 1.5C global warming cap. However, this needs coordination ‘with other technologies and collaborative efforts’ to succeed.
Synchronized Battery Value Chain Promises Global Economic Value
The Global Battery Alliance says batteries have a key role in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Moreover they can also “create new jobs, add significant economic value, and increase energy access. This, while they drive the responsible and just battery value chain the world needs.
The Alliance’s report calls for quick action to seize short- and long-term opportunities. That’s because batteries are a near-term driver to decarbonize road transportation, and support the transition to a renewable power system. However, “concerted action” is essential with other industries and technology to achieve this goal.
Batteries Can Contribute 30% of Transport Emission Reductions
The WEF believes a coordinated battery value chain could “directly avoid 0.4 GtCO2 emissions in transport”. This would empower renewables as reliable sources of energy, and displace carbon-based energy production.
This would in turn avoid 2.2 GtCO2 emissions. “These are roughly 30% of required emission reductions in these sectors until 2030 under the Paris Agreement,” taken together. However, we need to activate the rest of the value chain to achieve this. This includes better, cheaper battery design at the front end, and rapid roll-out of battery-powered transport at the other end.
Once we achieve these goals we will also democratize electricity in developing areas, and create countless new jobs and business opportunities. There will also be immeasurable benefits at individual level from breathing cleaner air. A joined-up battery value chain must become a global priority now.
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Preview Image: Vision for a Sustainable Battery Chain
