A Strategic Approach to Building a Secure Domestic Battery Supply Chain

As the world embarks on widespread decarbonization, the supply chain crunch for batteries has become front and center around the world. In the United States, the issues are widespread, from material availability to the lack of cell and pack manufacturing. Recycling, which could bridge the supply gap, is still in its early stages. With the expected growth in the storage market, tactical approaches to solve the challenges will not suffice. What is needed is a comprehensive strategy that brings a holistic approach to solve the battery supply chain issues. This includes the search for alternative materials to the presently-constraints materials (such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium), examining opportunities for clean extraction of battery minerals, and recycling. In addition, an important part of the strategy is to examine leapfrogging materials and manufacturing methods that can enable deep decarbonization of transportation and grid sectors. The talk will examine the status of battery technology, and the opportunities for enabling widespread electrification with a sustainable and secure supply chain.