The first step in the energy transition is to electrify sectors such as transport and heating while ensuring the electricity that powers them comes from renewable sources. Once the biggest sources of emissions have been trimmed, smaller categories that offer less reduction potential become more significant.
A recent study headed by Haiwei Zhou at the University of Melbourne examined the greenhouse‑gas emissions generated during the production of lithium‑ion batteries, a technology that underpins much of the transition. Those emissions are not negligible, and as battery use expands, the total will rise. The researchers currently estimate that battery‑related emissions make up about 0.18 percent of global annual greenhouse‑gas output, but they warn the share could grow tenfold or more by 2050.
Cutting the emissions tied to battery manufacturing can follow several paths. Some lithium‑ion chemistries rely on elements that demand more energy to mine and refine than others, so selecting less intensive materials helps. The manufacturing process itself contains many stages that could be streamlined for greater energy efficiency. Recycling also offers a route to re‑introduce battery materials while consuming far less energy than extracting fresh ore.