The energy transition, and especially the increased electrification of transportation sector, moves forward at great speed. Its new center is Latin America’s lithium triangle, where new batteries of electric vehicles will be sourced. But there is an inevitable conflict coming between water availability and mining, says Rebecca Bertram.
All posts tagged: Batteries
Germany plans to convert coal plants into renewable energy storage sites
With Germany’s coal plants scheduled to close by 2038, operators now face some major decisions about how to restructure energy systems. One idea is to convert polluting power stations into batteries. L. Michael Buchsbaum takes a look.
Lithium in Bolivia: beyond extractivism
Although Bolivia has some of the largest lithium reserves in the world, the country so far has not focused on extraction. Now that lithium is in high demand for electromobility and renewable technologies, Bolivia’s geopolitical role may change. Maximiliano Proaño takes a look.
Road Transport: the “problem child” of European decarbonization
One-fifth of EU emissions are from road transportation, and they’re rising. The EU is trying to help matters by pushing electric vehicles and batteries – but while this would help with decarbonization, it comes with its own risks, as Radostina Primova explains.
Sail Norway’s fjords in good conscience – on the zero-emission future
Until now, exploring Norway’s jaw-dropping fjords by the sea has meant sinning – in a big way. Cruise ships are terrible for the environment. But the new battery-powered passenger ship Future of the Fjords promises a cleaner future, says Paul Hockenos.
Global renewable energy transition could lead to conflict without proper management
The transition to 100 percent renewable energy needs a lot of minerals to build wind, solar, and battery technology. This has the potential to cause fuel fragility, conflict, and violence if not managed responsibly. Joshua S. Hill takes a look at the recent report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
When will battery storage take off?
Energy industry professionals and commentators agree that industrial-scale battery storage will play a pivotal role in future energy systems. But will the battery business take off, just like solar PV, or will batteries remain a great opportunity which will never materialize? Jan Ondřich takes a look.
Batteries included: Gigafactories advance German energy transition
Energy storage is going to be a huge industry in the transition to renewables, and European countries and producers are moving in on batteries. This is Germany’s chance to bring stable jobs to its former mining regions, and finally phase out coal. L. Michael Buchsbaum takes a look.
We are the Energiewende: German villages go 100% renewable
Local communities are at the forefront of the clean energy transition in Germany, with some villages relying 100% on renewable energy. Pavol Szalai spoke to some mayors there and found that German villagers are proud of their work.
Another blackout, another tweet, and Tesla’s Musk sets out to save another grid
Puerto Rico has been left without power for weeks and is now facing a humanitarian crisis. Could solar and battery systems from Tesla help get electricity to those who need it now? Sophie Vorrath of RenewEconomy investigates.