Watch the video –> Why The U.S. Has A Massive Lithium Supply Problem
to learn more, and to get an inside look at some of the domestic lithium projects in the works.
The United States has a lithium supply problem. Nearly every major automaker has announced a transition to electric vehicles, Tesla delivered almost one million cars in 2021, and a handful of new electric vehicle companies like Rivian and Lucid are rolling new models off the line.
In order to power all of these EVs, we will need batteries — lots of them.
Electric vehicle growth will be responsible for more than 90% of demand for lithium by 2030, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. But lithium is also in our phones, computers, ceramics, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, and is essential for solar and wind energy storage.
“It’s like the blood in your body,” said Lithium Americas CEO Jon Evans, “It’s the chemistry behind how lithium-ion batteries work. It remains the common denominator in all the battery technologies, even that we’re looking at now for next generation batteries. So, it’s truly a critical element.”
This vital mineral in rechargeable batteries has earned the name “white gold” and the rush is on.
The price of lithium is soaring, up 280% since Jan. 2021, and establishing a domestic supply of lithium has become the modern-day version of oil security. But today, the U.S.
is far behind, with only 1% of global lithium being mined and processed in the U.S., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
More than 80% of the world’s raw lithium is mined in Australia, Chile, and China.
And China controls more than half of the world’s lithium processing and refining and has three-fourths of the lithium-ion battery mega factories in the world, according to the International Energy Agency.
But until the 1990s, the U.S. was the leader in lithium production.
“The lithium industry started in the U.S. and had a good run for 50 years,” said Erick Neuman, the international business manager for with Swenson Technology.
“We do have a lot. The challenge is, can we produce what we need at an economical and competitive price? That’s hard.”
Lithium is not a scarce element. The U.S. holds almost 8 million metric tons in reserve, ranking it among the top five countries in the world, according to the USGS. But there is only one operating lithium mine in the U.S., Albemarle’s Silver Peak in Nevada.
Last June, the administration released a blueprint for jumpstarting domestic lithium production and refining as well as battery manufacturing, and set a national EV sales
goal of 50% by 2030.
There are several domestic lithium projects in the works in Nevada, North Carolina, California and Arkansas, among other places.
Controlled Thermal Resources is developing a lithium project at the Salton Sea in California, which will extract lithium out of brine pumped up via geothermal energy plants in the area. The Salton Sea was oncea hot tourist destination, but has become one of the worst environmental and public health crises in modern history as drier conditions caused a lot of the lake to dry up. The state of California is trying to transform the area, calling it “Lithium Valley” and it hopes to generate the revenue needed to revive the area.
Last summer, GM announced a multi-million-dollar investment in Controlled Thermal Resources, and has secured first rights to purchase the domestically produced lithium for its EVs.
Piedmont Lithium wants to revive an old lithium mining area in North Carolina, near Charlotte. Piedmont signed a deal in 2020 to supply Tesla with lithium sourced from its deposits there, but the project has hit delays due to permitting.
Lithium Americas plans an open pit mine at Thacker Pass, which is located within an extinct super volcano about 200 miles north of Reno, Nevada, and is one of the largest lithium reserves in the U.S. The site will handle both the mining and the refinement of
the lithium, and it is in the final permitting phase.
But no one wants a mine in their backyard, and Thacker Pass and other projects have
been stalled by lawsuits and opposition from environmentalists, permitting delays, and opposition from Native American tribes in the area.
What does nitrogen gas do to the human body?
These two gasses cannot be detected by the sense of smell. A nitrogen enriched environment, which depletes oxygen, can be detected only with special instruments.
If the concentration of nitrogen is too high (and oxygen too low), the body becomes
oxygen deprived and asphyxiation occurs. Microsoft Word – Doc_44_09_E.doc (linde-gas.com)
Oxygen is the only gas we breathe that supports life. In the air a normal concentration of oxygen is 21%, while the rest of the atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen and trace gasses.
Inert gasses such argon and helium, as well as nitrogen, are not toxic, but they do not support human breathing and reduce levels of oxygen in the air. They are odourless, colorless and tasteless making them undetectable.
An increase in the concentration of any other gasses that are not oxygen can lead to a situation where individuals are at risk of asphyxiation which can cause serious injury or even death. This removal of oxygen gas in the air we breathe makes having an oxygen depletion sensor not just useful, but essential to maintaining life.
WHICH INDUSTRIES USE INERT GASSES AND NITROGEN?
How do cars produce nitrogen oxides? – Restaurantnorman.com
Despite the risk of oxygen depletion, the use of inert and specialty gasses is widespread in several industries and processes.
This includes:
Medical – In the medical industry they use inert and specialty gasses in MRI rooms, cryopreservation, tissue preservation and cancer treatment.
Laboratory – Laboratories use multiple inert gasses such as argon, nitrogen and helium as carrier gasses and also in cryogenics.
Commercial diving – Commercial and saturation divers use a heliox mix, which is a breathing gas composed of oxygen and helium.
Beverage and Hospitality – Nitrogen is used to dispense beverages such as beer, and also prevent oxidation which can affect taste and quality.
Forestry – Gasses such as phosphine (PH3) are commonly used to fumigate timber and other agricultural products prone to infestation.
Horticulture– Nitrogen is used in the Controlled Atmosphere Storage (CAS) of produce including apples, pears, grains and legumes to keep food fresh and prevent decay.
Food packaging and storage – Nitrogen is used in both the packing and storage phases of products such as cooked meats, dried foods, fresh produce, fruits and vegetables.
These industries highlight the necessary need for oxygen depletion sensors in order to maintain the safety and well-being of people.
Poorly ventilated areas and confined, restricted or enclosed spaces usually have an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Low oxygen levels can also exist in ‘open areas’ including areas with ventilation, laboratories, buildings and outside near equipment.
OXYGEN TRANSPORT SYSTEM:
The body’s oxygen transport system takes oxygen to the working muscles through the circulatory and respiratory systems working together. When we breathe, oxygen enters the lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream to fuel the cells in our bodies. If the level of oxygen concentration falls below the normal rate, it can cause damage to a person’s health.
Depending on the concentration of oxygen, the effects and symptoms of oxygen depletion on the human body will vary. At 19% people may suffer some physiological effects, but it may not be noticeable; while a drop to 12-15% is enough to cause poor judgment, faulty coordination, abnormal fatigue and emotional upset. If the oxygen level reaches less than 10% this can cause immediate fainting, an inability to move, loss of consciousness and as previously mentioned, death.
THE USE OF OXYGEN DEPLETION MONITORS
The only way to detect low oxygen concentrations is with real-time monitoring from the use of continuous oxygen depletion sensors.
Analox provides two different oxygen depletion sensors which have been designed for industries including saturation diving, commercial diving, laboratory and beverage and hospitality.
The O2NE+ O2 monitor is designed to detect the presence of low oxygen in ambient air.
The Safe-Ox+ O2 monitor is designed to detect the presence of high and low levels of oxygen in ambient air. High levels of oxygen can be just as dangerous as low levels.
Nitrogen depletes the body of oxygen – Bing video
Both monitors provide a digital readout of oxygen, plus audible and visual alarms to potentially dangerous deficiencies (and increases in case of Safe-Ox+) of oxygen in the air surrounding the instrument.
The O2NE+ room oxygen sensor provides two audio visual alarms which are pre-set at 19.5% and 18% to warn personnel of a potential leak which may cause the O2 levels to deplete to a dangerous level. The Safe-Ox+ oxygen enrichment and depletion monitor has two pre-set alarm levels at 23.0% and 19.5% O2 . However both products can be adjusted to trigger an alarm at a different level of oxygen concentration.
Synthetic e-fuels found to emit as much poisonous nitrogen oxides as petrol | This is Money
Electric vehicles and air pollution: the claims and the facts – EPHA
The Myth Around Electric Vehicles: Are They Really Eco-friendly?
EV’s are affordable, efficient, and clean for the environment:
But Recent Studies show otherwise!
By Mukesh Malhotra
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
You’re reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.
Mukesh Malhotra is a highly accomplished Finance & Strategy Head with rich experience of leading billion-dollar organizations as well as startups in Asia/Africa. He has global experience of building and leading corporations across diverse industries such as BFSI, Telecom, Internet, Consumer and Ecommerce. He is Founder and CEO of Ecoforus Sustainable.
It might come as a surprise to many but contrary to popular beliefs, Electric Vehicles which were hitherto thought to be a viable and environment-friendly alternative to carbon-emitting vehicular fuels such as petrol and diesel, are actually equally hazardous
to the environment, if not more. In fact, recent studies have corroborated the fact that EVs are considerably worse for the climate than diesel cars.
As per a study conducted by Christoph Buchal of the University of Cologne, electric vehicles have “significantly higher CO2 emissions than diesel cars.” In order to understand this, we need to take a step back. The issue is closely tied to the process involved in the production of electric car batteries and while charging these batteries.
Batteries of Today
A whopping quantity of energy is used in the mining and processing of lithium,
cobalt, and manganese, crucial raw materials required to manufacture such batteries.
It takes more than twice the amount of energy to manufacture an electric car than a conventional one and the main reason for that is the battery. Battery manufacturing with contemporary technology requires 350 to 650 Megajoule of energy per kWh, as per a study led by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.
Also, a typical battery pack of an EV can release 73 to 98 grams of CO2 into the air per kilometre. Added to this, is the CO2 emissions of the electricity from powerplants, which powers such vehicles.
This is What EV is Offering
Advocates of EV have long held that, rising air pollution levels across major cities in the country (with Particulate matter (PM) such as PM2.5 and PM10, less than 2.5 and 10 microns in diameter respectively and NOx) witnessing all-time highs, builds a strong case for “Green” Electric Vehicles.
While it is absolutely true that, continued exposure to these substances can lead one to develop the risk of contracting severe cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, as put forth by WHO, EVs are also not really a safer option.
Even though electric cars do not emit much harmful and climate-damaging greenhouse gasses and nitrogen oxide, they might run on electricity produced by burning dirty fossil fuels, which actually takes away its climate benefits. The overall carbon footprint of a battery-powered EV is the same as that of a conventional car powered by a combustion engine, regardless of the size. Though EVs emit less while driving on the streets, a large amount of CO2 is emitted by power plants that charge the electric cars.
The Best Thing is
Several prominent researchers have opined that methane-powered gasoline engines or hydrogen motors could reduce CO2 emissions by a third and possibly eliminate the need for diesel motors in the long run, if implemented holistically.
Also, it is important to note that EVs are way too expensive, and a minuscule number of consumers are finding vehicles that are available in the market, actually appealing.
One of the most important factors contributing to this high cost is the battery technology currently prevailing. Batteries make up to almost half the cost of an electricity-powered car. While the cost of batteries has come down over the years, they are still quite expensive to spike the overall cost of an EV, when compared to a regular vehicle plying the road.
The Big Issue
For several battery manufacturers around the world, operating margins are in the
negative and free cash flows, volatile. Considering the scenario, EVs are not witnessing any major growth in terms of adoption and owing to the inadequate advancement in battery technology, these packs can’t be charged as quickly as formerly anticipated and lack of charging stations. Analysts expect battery prices to go up by 20 percent over the coming years, even though the prices of raw materials such are cobalt and lithium are plummeting due to lower demands.
Many manufacturers are trying to increase the ratio of energy-dense nickel in the cathode to 80 percent from 60 percent while reducing the amount of cobalt and manganese. However, since Nickel as metal gets very hot, batteries can catch fire, rendering such EVs commercially unviable. Solid progress in battery technology can bring down the cost of EVs by 30 per cent to 40 per cent, as per a Goldman Sachs report. Despite that, not many consumers would actively purchase such vehicles without adequate subsidies and purchase incentives.
The True Ecosystem
In the case of two-wheelers, which essentially are personal mobility products, have a large base in rural regions. Since cost is an important factor here and as huge numbers of jobs are at stake, the transition to any environment-friendly commuting option should be more gradual in nature. In rural India, two-wheelers are often dubbed as veritable instruments of progress.
They are providing affordable access and low-cost mobility to millions and in turn, democratizing transport – making progress truly inclusive. Many regions in India do not have access to public transport and in these regions, two-wheelers are the most readily available, affordable and emission efficient solution.
Fuel consumption in two-wheelers is much lower per passenger per kilometre. Further, once the BS VI norms get implemented, India’s emission norms for two-wheelers and passenger vehicles will be on par with some of the most developed countries in the world.
Considering the limitations and constraints that EVs face, many researchers across the world are toying with the idea of cheaper zero-emission fuel cell tech, which they think, will replace gas engines in vehicles in the near future. A study revealed that advancements in such fuel cell technology will make them much cheaper compared to traditional gasoline engines in vehicles, thereby making them commercially viable when mass produced.
In fact, the University of Waterloo in Canada developed a new fuel cell that lasts at least 10 times longer than existing technology. These fuel cells are more durable and can deliver a continuous, rather than fluctuating, amount of electricity.
These fuel cells produce electricity by facilitating a chemical reaction between Oxygen and Hydrogen, and are, therefore, simpler and much less expensive. In terms of durability and performance, they are on par with regular fuels. Once introduced in hybrid vehicles, it would lead to mass production and as a corollary, reduced unit costs.
Being safe, efficient, affordable and a green source of electrical power, they are expected to replace both batteries as well as conventional engines. Hence, in order to move perfectly in e-mobility and be truly energy efficient, nations have to transition their energy generation in parallel.
Solving The Ozone Problem Caused By Electric Cars
Ozone is a known pollutant at low levels in the earth’s atmosphere, which causes harmful effects on the respiratory system and sensitive plants. Ozone forms as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides emitted into the air react with sunlight. Two of the largest emitters of these pollutants are vehicles and electricity generating units (EGUs) but as Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have risen in popularity over the past decade the positive impact on the environment due to lack of fossil fuel exhaust fumes is offset by increased ozone.
When PHEVs run off battery power, they emit no pollutants from their exhaust but the EGU’s which provide electricity to charge batteries do give off pollutants. New research in Environmental Research Letters shows that charging at night will lead to lower levels of pollution on average. The work used four U.S. cities and four representative modeling days.
There has been a great deal of debate regarding the best way to charge electric cars. The first scenario in this study was based on charging the car at off-peak times in the night. The second scenario involved charging to maximize battery life (charging just before use and only the amount of charge needed to complete the trip) and the third scenario involved charging the battery when it was a convenient time for the driver (typically just after vehicle use).
The results of the study showed that the overall levels of pollution resulting from EGU emissions associated with charging were lower than the level of pollution resulting from the emissions associated with 20% of gasoline vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
Although nighttime charging was shown to yield the highest amount of nitrogen oxides, this led to the least amount of ozone on average across all cities and hours modeled as there is no sunlight for the emissions to react with. By the time morning comes, the pollutants are dispersed and diluted by other processes such as the wind.
Lead author Dr Tammy Thompson of MIT said, “The results in general show positive air quality results due to the use of PHEVs regardless of charging scenario with the nighttime charging scenario showing the best results on average by a small margin.
“This further supports efforts to develop regulation to encourage nighttime charging; an example would be variable electricity pricing. As more of the fleet switches over to PHEVs and a larger demand is placed on the electricity grid, it will become more important that we design and implement policy that will encourage charging behaviors that are positive for both air quality and grid reliability.”
Citation: “Air quality impacts of PHEVs in Texas evaluating three charging scenarios”, Environ. Res. Lett 6 024004
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