Rethinking Sustainable Batteries

Abstract Batteries will play a pivotal role in meeting our increasing energy demands and reaching net zero by 2050. It is critical to achieve this growth in a sustainable manner by diversifying battery chemistries and managing resources and waste responsibly. However, evaluating battery sustainability is a complex issue where metrics are yet to be developed to enable a precise evaluation of the interwoven economic, social, and environmental impacts. Here, sustainability is considered in the context of the whole battery lifecycle, and the principal factors across mining, refining, and manufacturing are discussed, through to the use phase and end of life. Mirroring the 1998 principles of sustainable chemistry by Paul Anastas and John Warner, twelve principles for the sustainable development of green batteries are proposed, and the perspective is presented on how concerted industrial and academic efforts, alongside informed policy making, can shape a truly sustainable energy landscape.