Scientists have issued a warning that while efforts to address global issues may seem beneficial, they can also entail hidden risks. However, there are viable paths forward.
Clean energy technologies are generally regarded as more environmentally friendly, but not all green technologies are as clean as they appear. For instance, while batteries are essential for replacing fossil fuels, the extraction of materials such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese significantly impacts both the environment and human health. A report from Tech Xplore, which discusses a study published in Resources, Conservation and Recycling, highlights the severity of the problem but also presents solutions for making battery production more sustainable.
Researchers from China and Israel discovered that the pollution generated from mining battery materials in China has a more detrimental effect on human health than the carbon emissions produced during battery manufacturing. In fact, airborne pollutants released during the mining and processing phases account for over 62% of the total environmental and health impact associated with these batteries. According to the World Health Organization, these pollutants are linked to respiratory illnesses, heart diseases, and even premature deaths.
The issue extends beyond pollution. The surging demand for battery materials is intensifying trade restrictions and creating political tensions among countries striving to secure resources. This scramble for materials leads to increased mining activities that damage ecosystems and displace local communities. If these trends continue unchecked, the clean energy revolution could replicate the harmful practices of previous extractive industries.
However, researchers have identified several potential solutions. One significant approach is to power mineral extraction processes with renewable energy, which could substantially reduce the carbon footprint associated with battery production. Additionally, researchers advocate for the safe disposal of toxic mining waste by returning it to its original source, rather than leaving it exposed to the environment. The study also emphasizes the importance of a circular economy, where old battery materials are reused and recycled, minimizing the need for new material extraction.
Some companies are already making strides in this direction. Redwood Materials, founded by former Tesla executive JB Straubel, is enhancing battery recycling efforts in the U.S. to reduce the demand for new mining operations. Meanwhile, Lilac Solutions is developing cleaner methods for extracting lithium, a key component of batteries.
As batteries play an increasingly pivotal role in the future of energy, researchers are actively seeking ways to make their production cleaner. This includes improving recycling practices, adopting greener mining techniques, and implementing smarter production methods to ensure that clean energy remains genuinely clean.
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Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/hidden-risks-in-the-clean-energy-transition-finding-sustainable-solutions-for-battery-production/
