UK reveals battery strategy to achieve carbon-free future
UK Government Announces Strategy to Boost Battery Sector and Zero-Emission Vehicles
The UK Government has unveiled a new strategy aimed at capitalising on the substantial economic opportunities in the battery sector and supporting the manufacturing and development of zero-emission vehicles (EVs). The strategy, a government-wide effort developed in collaboration with businesses, is a significant step towards establishing a globally competitive battery supply chain by 2030.
The strategy, titled 'Going for Gold: Taking the UK Battery Sector to the Next Level', is divided into three pillars: DESIGN, BUILD, and SUSTAIN. The focus is on addressing the substantial economic opportunities in the battery sector, particularly driven by the expected rise in global demand for lithium-ion batteries due to increased need for energy-efficient products like electric vehicles (EVs).
The UK has a rich legacy in battery technology, dating back to research in the 1970s at the University of Oxford, leading to the development of the lithium-ion battery. The strategy recognises this heritage and reinforces the UK's commitment to becoming a world leader in battery technology.
The strategy also emphasises the importance of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite, crucial for battery production. The UK Government has worked to strengthen domestic capabilities and international partnerships in securing these minerals.
The automotive sector is expected to adapt to the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), with an estimated production capacity of 1.4 million EVs by 2030. The strategy supports this transition by committing to targeted government support in various facets of the battery ecosystem, including research, international collaboration, investment in skills, and recycling technologies.
The strategy does not mention specific new funding or investment amounts but does commit to over £2 billion in new funding for the automotive sector, with a focus on zero-emission vehicles, their batteries, and supply chains, until 2030.
Notable projects included in the strategy are the AESC Group gigafactory in Sunderland and Tata's new gigafactory, both of which were already mentioned in earlier bullet points. These projects, part of a combined £1.5 billion investment, are expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the UK's annual battery production capacity to 52GWh.
The strategy also recognises the role of batteries in national security and defense capabilities. It emphasises the importance of a sustainable future and economic growth, supporting innovation, securing a resilient manufacturing supply chain, and enabling sustainable industry development.
In conclusion, the UK Government's new battery strategy is a comprehensive plan aimed at making the UK a global leader in battery technology and supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The strategy is a testament to the UK's commitment to a sustainable future and economic growth.
