Energy storage bans nauru lithium policy

Are lithium batteries a threat to US supply chain security?

A new document shows the Department of Homeland Security is concerned that Chinese investment in lithium batteries to power energy grids will make them a threat to US supply chain security. Jupiter Powers battery storage complex as seen in Houston, TX. Photograph: Jason Fochtman/Getty Images

Why do Chinese companies make lithium batteries?

As the US utility grids incorporate more renewable energy sources like solar and wind, it’s essential to build up a battery storage capacity that can store intermittent energy supply for times of heightened demand. And Chinese companies have dominated the global industry of producing lithium batteries for this job.

What does Chatham House rule mean for the lithium supply chain?

Stakeholders across the lithium supply chain—from mining companies to battery recycling companies—gathered to discuss, under Chatham House rule, its current state and barriers to growth. Increased supply of lithium is paramount for the energy transition, as the future of transportation and energy storage relies on lithium-ion batteries.

Are lithium-ion batteries available long-term?

This study investigates the long-term availability of lithium (Li) in the event of significant demand growth of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for supplying the power and transport sectors with very-high shares of renewable energy.

Are US utilities too dependent on Chinese batteries for energy storage?

Following efforts to curb Chinese EV companies’ competitiveness, the US government is now also concerned about how domestic utility companies could become too dependent on Chinese batteries for energy storage. The US government has in recent years started to catch up in the battery industry.

Should lithium-based batteries be a domestic supply chain?

Establishing a domestic supply chain for lithium-based batteries requires a national commitment to both solving breakthrough scientific challenges for new materials and developing a manufacturing base that meets the demands of the growing electric vehicle (EV) and electrical grid storage markets.