batteries
Newsletter
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Lawmakers push for stronger regulations on PFAS used in EV batteries
U.S. lawmakers are urging stricter regulations on PFAS, chemicals used in EV batteries, amid concerns over widespread contamination.
In short:
- Two U.S. lawmakers are advocating for tighter controls on PFAS, toxic chemicals found in various products, including EV batteries.
- A bill known as the PFAS Action Act seeks to enforce stricter regulations, but it has yet to pass in the Senate.
- Despite ongoing concerns, companies like Syensqo continue to expand production with government support, raising environmental and health risks.
Key quote:
"PFAS are found in everything from construction materials to cookware to basic household supplies – this isn’t an EV problem, it’s a PFAS problem.”
— Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Why this matters:
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," pose severe health risks and are difficult to remove from the environment. As the EV industry grows, the unchecked use of these chemicals could lead to long-term public health issues.
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Credit: Markus Distelrath/Pixabay
New fracking-inspired technology could revolutionize renewable energy storage
Three Houston startups are using a novel approach similar to fracking to create underground storage for renewable energy, potentially reducing reliance on lithium batteries.
In short:
- Sage Geosystems is developing the first commercial geothermal energy storage system in South Texas, using pressurized water in underground caverns.
- The technique involves injecting water underground, which is then released to generate power during peak demand, offering up to 10 hours of energy storage.
- This system, while still in early stages, could provide an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which currently dominate the energy storage market.
Key quote:
"There is a growing need for technologies that can adjust generation levels to maintain grid stability. The technology Sage is developing has the potential to be a game changer."
— Yiyi Zhou, an energy analyst at BloombergNEF
Why this matters:
Renewable energy storage is crucial for maintaining grid stability as solar and wind power become more prevalent. This technology could diversify storage options, reducing dependency on scarce lithium resources.
Related: Energy storage surge reshapes US electricity landscape
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Newsletter
Rechargeable gadgets may not always be practical
Lithium-ion batteries are now found in many everyday gadgets, but they are not always the best choice for reliability and environmental impact.
In short:
- Lithium-ion batteries are widespread, but they are not ideal for devices needed at specific moments, such as flashlights or TV remotes, due to their recharge time.
- While lithium-ion batteries offer improved performance and design flexibility, they lead to ecological challenges because they are not easy to recycle and often end up in landfills.
- Despite the environmental concerns, consumers often choose rechargeable gadgets due to misconceptions about their convenience and eco-friendliness.
Key quote:
“Lithium-ion batteries have not been designed for end of life.”
— Jim Puckett, executive director of Basel Action Network
Why this matters:
The reliance on lithium-ion batteries for everyday devices creates unnecessary waste and ecological harm due to the challenges of recycling these batteries. Reassessing the need for rechargeable batteries in certain gadgets could lead to more sustainable consumer habits and better product reliability.
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Credit: Bolbik/Big Stock Photo
Are mining concerns for EV batteries exaggerated?
A new report from RMI suggests that worries about the demand for minerals for electric vehicle batteries may be overstated, highlighting the potential for recycling and innovation to reduce the need for new mining.
In short:
- The report argues that technological advancements and recycling can curb the demand for battery minerals.
- Battery recycling could significantly reduce new mining by 2038, with a complete shift by 2050.
- Innovations have already decreased the need for cobalt and nickel in battery production.
Key quote:
"One of the biggest things people hold against EVs might turn out to be one of its biggest benefits in the long run."
— Daan Walter, principal on the strategy team at RMI
Why this matters:
Electric vehicle production has the potential to become more sustainable, mitigating environmental and social concerns associated with mining. This shift could make EVs a more viable long-term solution for reducing transportation emissions.
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A UK start-up showcases a rapid-charging EV battery
An electric vehicle battery by UK start-up Nyobolt charged from 10% to 80% in under five minutes during a live demonstration.
In short:
- Nyobolt's battery, tested in a concept sports car, aims to alleviate "range anxiety" by significantly reducing charging time compared to current technologies.
- The demonstration faced challenges, including a UK heatwave and technical issues, but still marked a significant advancement in EV battery technology.
- Nyobolt plans to partner with existing car brands and introduce its batteries on a small scale within a year.
Key quote:
“Developing technology that enables people to charge more quickly, which chimes with the time it currently takes to re-fuel a car – is really important.”
— Paul Shearing, professor of sustainable energy engineering at Oxford University
Why this matters:
Fast-charging technology is essential for broader adoption of electric vehicles by reducing charging times so that they're similar to the time it takes to refuel gas cars. However, improvements in charging infrastructure are needed to support these advancements and make electric vehicles more practical for everyday use.
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Credit: Ashraf Chemban/Pixabay
US energy department selects sites for major electric transmission projects
The Department of Energy has identified 10 key areas for building high-capacity electric transmission lines to boost clean energy distribution across the U.S., as part of President Biden's climate strategy.
In short:
- The DOE's plan aims to expand the power grid via multistate ultra-high-capacity lines, enhancing nationwide clean energy accessibility.
- These corridors are intended to connect major renewable power sources to the grid, leveraging a $2 billion investment from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.
- Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm emphasized that the initiative would modernize the grid and support the goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035.
Key quote:
"To meet our climate goals we have to more than double our transmission capacity."
— John Podesta, White House clean energy adviser
Why this matters:
This initiative is geared toward enhancing the distribution of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power across vast distances, which is important for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change. Building these transmission lines is a step toward stabilizing energy prices and boosting economic growth through job creation in the construction and maintenance of the infrastructure. For communities, particularly those in remote or underserved areas, the enhanced infrastructure can lead to more reliable energy access and potentially lower electricity costs.
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Energy storage surge reshapes US electricity landscape
Giant batteries are increasingly used to deliver solar power into the evening and stabilize electricity grids across the U.S., showcasing significant technology growth.
Brad Plumer and Nadja Popovich report for The New York Times.
In short:
- California leads with the world's second-largest battery storage capacity, enhancing evening electricity supply without fossil fuels.
- Nationwide, battery storage capacity has expanded dramatically, supporting grid stability and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
- Advancements in battery technology and significant cost reductions have accelerated their adoption, influenced by both government policy and market dynamics.
Key quote:
"What's happening in California is a glimpse of what could happen to other grids in the future."
— Helen Kou, head of U.S. power analysis at BloombergNEF
Why this matters:
Large-scale battery systems are pivotal in addressing one of the longstanding challenges of renewable energy: variability. Solar panels, for instance, produce power only when the sun is shining. But as we push toward a more sustainable grid, balancing supply with demand becomes crucial. Here, giant batteries play a critical role. They not only store excess energy generated during peak sunlight but also help stabilize electricity grids, smoothing out the fluctuations caused by the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy.
Some more good news: Solar power on the rise at US schools.
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