Battery

Batteries play a crucial role in the green transition as they enable the storage and efficient use of renewable energy, contribute to the electrification of transportation, and support the integration of intermittent renewable sources into the power grid. In essence, batteries serve as a means of storing and delivering clean energy when and where it is needed. 
 
Sweden and the U.S. are actively involved in research and innovation related to batteries as part of their efforts towards a sustainable future. Both Sweden and the U.S. recognize the strategic importance of batteries in achieving their sustainability goals. They are investing in research and development to address key challenges such as cost reduction, resource efficiency, recyclability, and safety. Furthermore, both countries are actively promoting collaborations and partnerships with international stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and foster global advancements in battery technologies. 
 
Sweden has been at the forefront of battery research and innovation. The country has a strong focus on developing advanced battery technologies, with an emphasis on energy storage solutions for renewable energy integration. Swedish research institutions and companies are engaged in cutting-edge research to enhance battery performance, increase energy density, improve longevity, and reduce costs. Sweden also promotes collaboration between academia, industry, and government entities to foster innovation and accelerate the deployment of sustainable battery solutions. For instance, Mälardalen University focuses on battery circularity which involves a loop whereby batteries’ waste can be reused through repair and repurpose before being recycled. The greatest environmental and economic benefits of battery circularity can be achieved if batteries are first reused and then recycled after their first life. With electric vehicle growth expected to exceed 145 million EVs by 2030, in the next 10 years, several million lithium-ion batteries in operation will need to be replaced when their state-of-health capacity is reduced by 20% to 30%. The increased diversity of EV models in cars, buses, trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles, along with the growing differences in battery types (e.g., chemistry, size, and configuration), makes it more difficult to make effective decisions about factors that affect battery circularity. 
  
In the U.S., there is significant research and innovation in the field of batteries, driven by the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and the need for grid-scale energy storage. The U.S. government, research institutions, and private companies are actively involved in advancing battery technologies. Research efforts aim to enhance battery efficiency, develop new materials, explore alternative chemistries, and improve manufacturing processes. Additionally, the U.S. government has been supporting research and development initiatives through funding programs and incentives to accelerate battery innovation and deployment.