Lithium battery energy storage policy

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.

Are lithium-ion batteries in demand?

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly in demand for energy storage and use in electric vehicles. This demand is projected to grow further with expected technological innovations and declining costs.

Are lithium phosphate batteries a good choice for grid-scale storage?

Based on cost and energy density considerations, lithium iron phosphate batteries, a subset of lithium-ion batteries, are still the preferred choice for grid-scale storage.

Are lithium-ion batteries subject to regulations?

Regulations are critical for consumer product safety, reliable electricity service, and the safe handling, storage, treatment, reuse, recycling, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. However, the regulations, codes, and standards for lithium-ion batteries are unclear, complex, and vary by jurisdiction.

What should the US do about lithium-ion batteries?

The U.S. should develop a federal policy framework that supports manufacturing electrodes, cells, and packs domestically and encourages demand growth for lithium-ion batteries. Special attention will be needed to ensure access to clean-energy jobs and a more equitable and durable supply chain that works for all Americans.

Are lithium-ion batteries critical materials?

Given the reliance on batteries, the electrified transportation and stationary grid storage sectors are dependent on critical materials; today’s lithium-ion batteries include several critical materials, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.13 Strategic vulnerabilities in these sources are being recognized.