Batteries: Clean air or just another big environmental hole?

Mar 24

4 min read

The global shift towards electrification, particularly in transportation and energy storage, has positioned batteries as central to carbon and air pollution abatement strategies. However, the environmental implications of battery production, and disposal, raise critical questions about whether or not we are just swapping one environmental disaster for another.

Environmental Impact of Battery Production

Battery manufacturing involves the extraction of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. These processes can lead to significant environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination. For instance, producing one tonne of lithium, sufficient for approximately 100 car batteries, requires about 2 million tonnes of water, making battery production an extremely water-intensive practice. In Chile's Salar de Atacama, lithium mining activities have consumed 65% of the region's water, adversely affecting local ecosystems and communities.

(Source: Earth.org)

Challenges in Battery Disposal

The disposal of batteries presents environmental hazards. Improper disposal can lead to the release of toxic substances, including heavy metals, into soil and groundwater. Recycling remains inefficient and resource-intensive, with a significant portion of batteries ending up in landfills. In Australia, only 2% of the country's 3,300 metric tons of lithium-ion battery waste is recycled, with the remainder ending up in landfills. This leads to the leaching of hazardous materials into the soil and groundwater, posing risks to both environmental and human health.

(Source: Institute for Energy Research)

Carbon Emissions in Manufacturing

The production of lithium-ion batteries is energy-intensive, often relying on fossil fuels, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 40% of the climate impact from lithium-ion battery production arises from the mining and processing of the necessary minerals. China, dominating the global EV battery supply chain, sources nearly 60% of its electricity from coal, a greenhouse gas-intensive fuel.

(Source: Institute for Energy Research)

Benefits in Carbon Abatement

Despite these challenges, batteries play a crucial role in reducing emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs), powered by batteries, produce significantly lower lifetime carbon emissions compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. The International Energy Agency notes that a medium-sized EV purchased today emits about 60% less over its lifetime than a comparable gasoline car.

(Source: MIT Climate Portal)

Advancements in Recycling

Efforts are underway to improve battery recycling. The European Union's Battery Regulation mandates that industrial batteries incorporate minimum recycled shares of lithium, nickel, and cobalt by 2031. Locally recycled materials could supply enough battery materials by 2030 to equip two million electric vehicles, reducing the need for new mining operations.

(Source: Reuters)

Effective recycling processes are crucial for recovering valuable materials and minimising environmental harm. Recent developments in recycling technologies have achieved significant efficiencies:

Mechanical Methods: Approximately 60% efficiency in material recovery.
Hydrometallurgical Processes: Up to 75% efficiency.
Pyrometallurgical Methods: Around 85% efficiency.

These improvements not only conserve resources but also reduce the ecological footprint associated with battery disposal.

(Source: Science Publishing Group)

The Necessity of Improving Battery Life

Extending battery lifespan directly reduces the frequency of replacement, thereby decreasing the demand for raw materials and the volume of waste generated. Advancements in battery technologies, such as the development of silicon anodes and sulfur cathodes, have shown promise in enhancing capacity and durability. These innovations contribute to a more sustainable lifecycle for batteries, aligning with environmental conservation efforts.

(Source: Science Publishing Group)

The Role of Policy and Consumer Behavior

Government regulations play a pivotal role in promoting battery recycling. For example, the European Union's Battery Regulation mandates that industrial batteries incorporate minimum recycled shares of lithium, nickel, and cobalt by 2031. Such policies incentivise the development of recycling infrastructure and encourage manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices.

(Source: Reuters)

Hydrogen as an Alternative?

Hydrogen is gaining traction as a viable alternative to battery power, particularly in sectors where batteries may fall short, such as heavy transport, aviation, and long-duration energy storage. Unlike batteries, hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. This makes them appealing for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, hydrogen can be stored for long periods and transported over long distances, offering flexibility that

A car stopped at a hydrogen filling station

batteries often lack. However, challenges such as high production costs, infrastructure needs, and energy efficiency losses during conversion remain significant hurdles. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), “Hydrogen is today enjoying unprecedented momentum. The world should not miss this unique chance to make hydrogen an important part of our clean and secure energy future”

So Where Do You Sit?

Batteries are instrumental in the transition to a low-carbon future, offering substantial benefits in emission & pollution reductions. However, the environmental costs associated with their production and disposal cannot be overlooked. Hydrogen is an alternative, but it has its own challenges (and stigmas). Balancing these factors requires sustainable manufacturing practices, efficient recycling systems, and supportive policies to ensure that in our quest for carbon & air pollution abatement, we are not inadvertently creating new environmental challenges.