{"id":24820,"date":"2022-08-25T13:18:56","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T12:18:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=24820"},"modified":"2022-08-25T13:20:42","modified_gmt":"2022-08-25T12:20:42","slug":"canadian-battery-supply-chain-clean-energy-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/canadian-battery-supply-chain-clean-energy-transition\/24820\/","title":{"rendered":"A Canadian battery supply chain can expedite the clean energy transition"},"content":{"rendered":"
In the global race to reach net zero and decarbonise, Canada should be the bookie\u2019s favourite. Long renowned as a nation of both abundant natural resources, but also resourcefulness with a storied history of energy leadership, the country is poised to lead the clean energy transition. Yet it still feels like Canada is on the starting line waiting for the gunshot.<\/p>\n
There is growing interest in both public and private opportunities and investment, especially pertaining to critical minerals, but is it accelerating enough to make Canada competitive on a global scale? With the race far from over, what will it take to put Canada in pole position?<\/p>\n
The transition to a low-carbon economy is unlikely to be a gentle affair, and like all \u2018wicked\u2019 problems, it is one that faces many challenges. As we speed towards 2030, with lofty climate goals to reach, efforts in decarbonisation are accelerating. As they speed up, we will need stewards to keep the car on the track.<\/p>\n
The global energy transition requires more than just technological advancement. It involves a multi-faceted approach that recognises the complexities between our social systems and our energy system. As a convenor, connector, and catalyser of innovative energy system initiatives and solutions, the Energy Futures Lab supports change-makers in collaboratively exploring how to leverage Canada\u2019s assets and innovation capacity to accelerate an inclusive and equitable transition to a prosperous net zero future.<\/p>\n
Like all complex challenges, there is no simple answer, but the actions being taken today have a tangible impact on the energy system of the future.<\/p>\n
As Canada\u2019s Minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, boldly stated recently: \u201cThere is no energy transition without critical minerals, and this is why critical mineral supply chain resilience is an increasing priority for advanced economies.\u201d<\/p>\n
In today\u2019s global energy and climate reality, everyone is speaking about energy security. What does that mean for Alberta and Canada? The answer lies in the opportunities before us. It will mean developing net zero energy sources that are close to home, reliable, and predictable in cost. There is no shortage of homegrown opportunities when it comes to producing products for emerging markets such as battery metals. Innovative technologies are poised to turn raw resources into the commercially-viable reserves required to create a national, or North American supply chain for critical minerals like lithium.<\/p>\n
The discovery of lithium is not new, but our relationship with lithium is rapidly changing. Canada has set ambitious zero emission vehicle (ZEV) targets and the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is reaching critical mass. Scientists began working on lithium-ion batteries in the 1970s, but the first commercial lithium-ion battery did not hit the market until 1991<\/a>. Fast-forward 30 years and batteries are set to play an integral role in the transition to net zero by mid-century. Thanks to factors including improved battery technology, policy support, and wider availability of charging infrastructure, EV sales are surging.<\/p>\n