The future: positively charged

The lead battery industry is passionate about sustainability. We see that lead batteries can and will play a significant role in achieving Europe’s ambitions agreed at COP26.

The world is set to have more renewable power capacity in 2021 than ever before. According to the latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA),it is set to dominate new power capacity through to 2026. Almost 290 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable power will be commissioned this year, 3% higher than 2020’s already exceptional growth.

The COP26 climate summit concluded with a deal to keep alive the ability to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this goal, renewable energy deployment must increase hundred-fold. For that, you need energy storage technology. Energy storage systems require high-performing, reliable and affordable batteries to ensure smooth generation and storage of energy. A myriad of technologies will be required to meet these energy storage needs, especially lead batteries.

Lead batteries play a significant role in renewable energy storage. Battery energy storage represents a reliable means of improving energy efficiency and allow for the integration of more renewable energy sources into electricity systems.

The International Energy Agency this year warned of a “looming mismatch” between climate ambition and minerals availability. We call on the European Commission and decision-makers globally to recognise that all battery technologies have a role to play in the future of sustainability. Of these, the lead battery is a technology that embodies circular economy principles. Lead can be recycled infinitely, and a new lead battery contains 80% recycled materials. There continues to be innovation in lead battery technologies, which means their capacity and dynamic charge acceptance will increase, leading to improvements in quality. The increased demand for energy storage cannot be met by one technology alone and lead batteries will positively charge the future.

Read more for how innovation in raw materials is the foundation of a truly green, circular economy.