Battery companies are at the forefront of innovation—and it could drive more sustainable manufacturing in the future. In fact, a 2019 World Economic Forum report suggests advanced manufacturing research for sustainable battery life cycles could reduce CO2 emissions 30% and create 10 million jobs.
Approximately $150 billion of economic value could be realized in 2030 by lowering battery costs, leading to 35% higher battery demand versus the 2030 base case and faster deployment of batteries, hence multiplying their benefits.
Ongoing research continues for this from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), with a report released last fall about the Challenges and Opportunities to Advance Manufacturing Research for Sustainable Battery Life Cycles.
Four underlying themes are identified to address industrial needs:
- Digitalizing and automating production capabilities: data-driven solutions for production quality, smart maintenance, automation, and human factors,
- Human-centric production: extended reality for operator support and skills development,
- Circular battery life cycles: circular battery systems supported by service-based and other novel business models,
- Future topics for battery value chains: increased industrial resilience and transparency with digital product passports, and next-generation battery chemistries.
Looking to the future, we are going to see the rise of advanced manufacturing research for sustainable battery life cycles. This will be something to keep an eye on in the future.