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An In-Depth Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Lithium-Ion Battery for Climate Impact Mitigation Strategies

Author

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  • Jhuma Sadhukhan

    (Centre for Environment and Sustainability, Arthur C Clarke Building, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK)

  • Mark Christensen

    (Reliagen Holdings Ltd., Home Farm, North Wootton BA4 4HB, UK)

Abstract

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are an essential component of renewable electricity infrastructure to resolve the intermittency in the availability of renewable resources. To keep the global temperature rise below 1.5 °C, renewable electricity and electrification of the majority of the sectors are a key proposition of the national and international policies and strategies. Thus, the role of BESS in achieving the climate impact mitigation target is significant. There is an unmet need for a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) of BESS with lithium-ion batteries being the most promising one. This study conducts a rigorous and comprehensive LCA of lithium-ion batteries to demonstrate the life cycle environmental impact hotspots and ways to improve the hotspots for the sustainable development of BESS and thus, renewable electricity infrastructure. The whole system LCA of lithium-ion batteries shows a global warming potential (GWP) of 1.7, 6.7 and 8.1 kg CO 2 eq kg −1 in change-oriented (consequential) and present with and without recycling credit consideration, scenarios. The GWP hotspot is the lithium-ion cathode, which is due to lithium hexafluorophosphate that is ultimately due to the resource-intensive production system of phosphorous, white, liquid. To compete against the fossil economy, the GWP of BESS must be curbed by 13 folds. To be comparable with renewable energy systems, hydroelectric, wind, biomass, geothermal and solar (4–76 g CO 2 eq kWh −1 ), 300 folds reduction in the GWP of BESS will be necessary. The areas of improvement to lower the GWP of BESS are as follows: reducing scopes 2–3 emissions from fossil resource use in the material production processes by phosphorous recycling, increasing energy density, increasing lifespan by effective services, increasing recyclability and number of lives, waste resource acquisition for the battery components and deploying multi-faceted integrated roles of BESS. Achieving the above can be translated into an overall avoided GWP of up to 82% by 2040.

Suggested Citation

  • Jhuma Sadhukhan & Mark Christensen, 2021. "An In-Depth Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Lithium-Ion Battery for Climate Impact Mitigation Strategies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:17:p:5555-:d:629689
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Rosario Tolomeo & Giovanni De Feo & Renata Adami & Libero Sesti Osséo, 2020. "Application of Life Cycle Assessment to Lithium Ion Batteries in the Automotive Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-16, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jhuma Sadhukhan, 2022. "Net-Zero Action Recommendations for Scope 3 Emission Mitigation Using Life Cycle Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Tomáš Bakalár & Henrieta Pavolová & Zuzana Šimková & Lucia Bednárová, 2022. "Phosphorus Management in Slovakia—A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.
    3. Sadhukhan, Jhuma, 2022. "Net zero electricity systems in global economies by life cycle assessment (LCA) considering ecosystem, health, monetization, and soil CO2 sequestration impacts," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 960-974.
    4. Liane Pinho Santos & João F. Proença, 2022. "Developing Return Supply Chain: A Research on the Automotive Supply Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-24, May.

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