Catalyst with Shayle Kann

The Big Switch: Are Batteries the New Oil?

Apr 11, 2024

Dr. Melissa Lott, an energy scholar, leads a deep dive into battery supply chains, discussing critical minerals like lithium and China's dominance in the industry. The potential trillion-dollar worth of the supply chain by 2030 and the power it bestows are explored. The episode questions whether critical minerals will mimic oil in significance.

46:12

Episode guests

Melissa Lott

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The global battery supply chain is worth trillions by 2030, with critical minerals like lithium and nickel shaping geopolitics.

Manufacturing lithium-ion batteries is a complex process involving electrodes, separators, and electrolytes, essential for the EV transition.

Deep dives

Exploring Battery Supply Chains

The podcast episode delves into the intricate world of battery supply chains, highlighting the extensive research done by the team across various stages of the supply chain. It showcases a comprehensive view of lithium salt flats, nickel refineries, battery cell factories, recycling plants, and battery junkyards, emphasizing the global nature and complexity of these supply chains.

Magnitude Difference: Oil and Gas vs. Critical Minerals Trade

01:19

Innovation Through Reform

01:11

Sourcing and Processing Minerals for Battery Production

01:31

Introduction

2min

Alessandra Carreon: From Energy Commissioner to Pizza Co-owner and Battery Supply Chain Tracker

2min

Impact of the Financial Crisis on American Automakers and the Shift to Electric Vehicles

2min

Exploring Conflict Minerals and Sustainable Practices in the EV Industry

12min

The Evolution of Lithium-Ion Batteries

14min

Geopolitical Strategies in Battery Supply Chains

13min

Navigating the Complexities of Battery Supply Chains

3min

This week we’re bringing you a deep dive into battery supply chains — the season premier of The Big Switch, a show that Latitude Media makes in partnership with Columbia University’s SIPA Center on Global Energy Policy.

Across this five-episode documentary series, hosted by the acclaimed energy scholar Dr. Melissa Lott, we examine every step of the sprawling global supply chains behind lithium-ion batteries.

In this first episode, we break apart one of the battery cells that was in the original Tesla Roadster. Then we explore how critical minerals, like copper, lithium, and nickel, are becoming a major force in global geopolitics, especially involving China, which dominates battery supply chains.

The supply chain behind all those batteries could be worth nearly half a trillion dollars by 2030. Whoever controls that supply chain has enormous power — figuratively and literally.

In this episode, we explore the stakes of the battery-based transition and ask whether critical minerals will look anything like oil.

To listen to the full five-part series, including episodes on mining, manufacturing and more, subscribe to The Big Switch on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Catalyst with Shayle Kann

The Big Switch: Are Batteries the New Oil?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Exploring Battery Supply Chains

Analyzing Battery Cell Composition

Global Geopolitical Impact

Challenges and Opportunities

Magnitude Difference: Oil and Gas vs. Critical Minerals Trade

Innovation Through Reform

Sourcing and Processing Minerals for Battery Production

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts