Battery Insiders

Michael Liebreich, CEO of Liebreich Associates and co-founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance, shares his extensive insights into the clean energy sector. He discusses its evolution from niche to mainstream, revealing the pivotal role of big data and machine learning. Liebreich contrasts traditional and green finance, emphasizing tailored project investments. He also explores the hydrogen market's potential and highlights career opportunities in clean tech, urging skill alignment with industry demands for aspiring professionals.

In this episode, Our guest speaker Dr Sam Cooper, Senior lecturer at Imperial College London and chief scientist at Polaron. Cooper shares insights into the challenges of conducting big data battery research due to limited industry data access and the recent improvements in data sharing. He explores the impact of AI on battery development, emphasising its role in optimising processes without changing battery chemistry. Cooper discusses ethical issues in battery material sourcing and the complexities of battery manufacturing. He also introduces Polaron, a startup focused on applying machine learning across various industries, and highlights the benefits of industry collaboration and the potential for impactful research through startup ventures. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the future of battery technology and strategic advice for researchers and industry professionals. For more information about Polaron www.polaron.ai info@polaron.ai Get in touch with our speaker www.x.com/camsooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-cooper-88687238/ If you are interested in learning more about batteries and connecting with industry experts, consider joining the BatteryMBA program (htpps://battery.mba). Apply by 18th December 2024 for the upcoming January 2025 cohort. Hope to see you there!

In this episode, our guest Wolfgang Bernhart discusses the current dynamics of the Chinese market and its global impact on the battery industry. Wolfgang provides an overview of China’s significant investments in upstream sectors like nickel and lithium, as well as the challenges of overcapacity in graphite and cell manufacturing, leading to price drops and new regulations. He explains the barriers created by US policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and tariffs, which are restricting Chinese companies' access to the American market. Meanwhile, Europe emerges as a key opportunity for Chinese investments due to supportive regulations and potential for local partnerships. Wolfgang also highlights the strategic focus of Chinese firms on forming joint ventures and technology transfers in response to these global market shifts. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of China's evolving role in the global battery industry and its strategies for navigating international markets. If you are interested in learning more about batteries and connecting with industry experts, consider joining the BatteryMBA program (⁠htpps://battery.mba⁠). Apply by 18th December 2024 for the upcoming January 2025 cohort. Hope to see you there!

Our podcast speaker, Ryan Melsert, CEO, CTO, and Director of American Battery Technology Company (ABTC), shares his insights on battery recycling technology and explains ABTC’s proprietary claystone lithium extraction process. He also discusses how ABTC’s business model can help OEMs and battery manufacturers create a sustainable battery life cycle. If you are interested in learning more about batteries and connecting with industry experts, consider joining the BatteryMBA program (⁠htpps://battery.mba⁠). Apply by 18th December 2024 for the upcoming January 2025 cohort. Hope to see you there!

Our podcast speaker, Kevin Fok, Director of Compliance at LG Energy Solution Vertech, discusses energy storage systems (ESS). Kevin provides an overview of ESS codes and standards, highlighting the importance of standards like UL 1973, UL 9540, and NFPA 855 in ensuring safety and compliance in ESS design and installation. He discusses how ESS codes and standards vary across different jurisdictions, with local amendments often creating challenges for standardisation, though common frameworks like the International Fire Code help maintain some consistency. The conversation also covers how emerging technologies, such as new battery chemistries, are integrated into existing codes and standards, with task groups and committees playing a crucial role in adapting standards to accommodate new advancements. Emphasis is placed on the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including manufacturers, system integrators, local authorities, and insurance companies, to ensure the successful implementation and operation of ESS projects.

In this episode, our podcast speakers Asma Sharafi, Cell Design Manager, and Rizwan Dard, Senior Strategy Manager at Cuberg, share Cuberg's growth and advancement path since its acquisition by Northvolt in 2021. Leveraging Northvolt's support, Cuberg is scaling up lithium metal anode technology with liquid electrolytes, optimizing performance and safety for aviation, high-performance vehicles, and EV markets. The discussion highlights the benefits of system-level integration and Northvolt's resources in driving technological progress and sustainability. Tune in for insights into Cuberg's exciting future and impact on the battery industry.

In this episode, our podcast speaker Fabrice Stassin from the Battery European Partnership Association (BEPA) discusses BEPA's role in advancing Europe's battery industry. Since its inception by the European Commission, BEPA has been channelling substantial funding to build a robust battery value chain, from raw materials to recycling. The conversation covers BEPA's strategic vision, the allocation of €925 million from the Horizon Europe program, and the publication of their updated Strategic Research Innovation Agenda. They also address the importance of collaboration within Europe and internationally, and the need for sustained investment in research and development to maintain global competitiveness. Tune in for insights into BEPA's initiatives and their impact on the European battery ecosystem.

Summary: Our podcast speaker, Kristin Hengstebeck, Director of Business Development and Market Research at The Metals Company (TMC) discusses the positioning of deep-sea polymetallic nodules as a source of critical raw materials for the transition away from fossil fuels, and to support global development. The company has piloted both collection and processing of polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese located atop the Pacific Ocean seafloor at depths of over 4kms. In addition to eliminating the need to dig or drill to obtain the ore, TMC and its partners have proven conversion of nodules to battery grade nickel and cobalt sulfate utilizing commercial facilities in North America. TMC is preparing to apply for a commercial exploitation contract to collect nodules later this year, adhering to high standards for responsible nodule collection per International Seabed Authority regulations. This includes an extensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for its NORI-D project conducted over the past 12 years, in collaboration with leading marine research institutions and expert industry contractors. Note: This podcast was recorded at Li-ion Battery American 2024 and organised by Shanghai Metals Market

Our guest speaker, Andy Leach from BloombergNEF, provided an outlook into the sodium-ion battery market in 2023. He discussed the latest trends and developments, including benchmarking cost estimates for sodium-ion batteries compared to other battery technologies. Additionally, he highlighted key milestones and advancements in the sodium battery industry, shedding light on its potential impact on the energy storage landscape. Note: This short podcast was recorded at The Battery Show Europe 2023, Stuttgart, Germany

In this podcast, the speaker discusses the implications of EU battery regulations on the BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) industry in Europe. The speaker express her opinion on how these regulations can enhance sustainability and quality standards within the EU market. Additionally, the speaker addresses the utilization of different cell chemistries such as NMC, LFP, and Na-ion, offering insights into which chemistry is likely to be adopted in BESS in the future. Furthermore, the speaker explores the concept of second-life batteries in BESS applications and provides insights into operational expenditure (OPEX) management within the BESS sector.