· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Wired or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The environmental impact of manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) batteries is significant, often surpassing the emissions of producing conventional cars
• Northvolt, a Swedish battery developer, aims to revolutionize this by reducing the carbon footprint to around 10 kg of CO2 per kilowatt-hour by 2030, focusing on green energy locations, supply chain control, and advanced recycling methods
🔭 The context: The current methods of battery production are unsustainable, with the emissions from creating an average battery reaching over 100 kg of CO2 per kilowatt-hour
• This issue is becoming increasingly pressing as the demand for EVs and the batteries that power them continues to grow
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Transitioning to net-zero emissions necessitates a drastic increase in battery production
• If the industry doesn't innovate, the emissions could equal the entire carbon footprint of countries like Spain
• Northvolt's approach could significantly reduce this impact, making the EV revolution more environmentally friendly
⏭️ What's next: Northvolt will be sharing their strategies at WIRED Impact in London, aiming to inspire and lead the battery sector towards greener practices
• Their model includes full-circle raw material use, on-site manufacturing, and end-of-life recycling, setting a precedent for sustainable battery production
📈 One stat: The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of battery production from over 100 kg to around 10 kg of CO2 per kilowatt-hour by 2030, a tenfold decrease that could revolutionize the industry's impact on the environment
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