a recent study by IVL Sweden and T&E has shown that the production of batteries can have a wide range of carbon footprints, depending on the materials used, energy sources utilized in manufacturing, and the location of production facilities. The study found that as much as 75% of the energy consumed during battery production is used in the production of battery cells, making this process the most energy and carbon-intensive.
The type of electricity used during production is crucial in determining the overall carbon footprint of a battery. The study found that the carbon impact of production of batteries ranges from 61 to 106 kgCO2e/kWh, depending on the energy source used during production. Producing batteries on a lower carbon grid, such as Sweden, results in a lower carbon footprint of 64 gCO2e/kWh, whereas the footprint increases to 85 gCO2e/kWh if produced in a higher than EU average carbon grid in Germany. Batteries produced using the average Chinese grid yield a much higher carbon footprint of 105 gCO2e/kWh, highlighting the competitive advantage European manufacturers can gain from strict and ambitious new rules on battery carbon emissions.
The study also found that location matters when it comes to the carbon footprint of battery production. The new calculation and verification rules must incentivize locating battery production facilities near low carbon energy sources or establish new sources of renewable energy generation.
These findings are critical in the push towards sustainable battery production and highlight the importance of renewable energy in manufacturing. Battery makers must be encouraged to source their electricity from renewable sources to reduce the carbon footprint of battery production.
This study emphasizes the need for new rules and regulations that incentivize sustainable battery production and promote the use of renewable energy sources in manufacturing. With proper regulations, battery manufacturers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
