Oxford’s Leadership: Pioneering Research for a Greener Future

Empowering Communities: Sustainable Solutions in India and Africa

Seeing the present state of the environment, scientists have set a goal to achieve net zero emissions globally by 2050 to stabilize global temperatures. In this direction, batteries are crucial for achieving Net Zero, but current markets lack the necessary technology and policies for optimal use throughout their life cycle, including ‘second life’ applications. The Oxford Martin School Programme on Circular Battery Economies aims to create a plan for a circular battery economy, focusing on opportunities in the Global South. Led by Paul Shearing, a Professor of Sustainable Energy Engineering and Director of the ZERO Institute, the program addresses challenges in the energy sector. It makes Oxford an important center for collaboration across different fields.

To reach global Net Zero goals it is important to switch to electric transport and this shift is happening rapidly. Still, the development of markets and infrastructure for using batteries effectively throughout their entire lifespan, especially after they are no longer used in vehicles, has fallen behind. Electric vehicle (EV) batteries usually keep 70-80% of their capacity when they are no longer useful in cars, they have great potential for a second life by storing renewable energy from wind and solar. These opportunities are often missed because car usage varies, creating uncertainty about the safety and effectiveness of used batteries. This, combined with poor recycling processes, leads to waste management issues and loss of valuable materials.

About 760 million people, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, lack access to electricity. Energy storage solutions are crucial for these communities to develop zero-carbon energy systems. Repurposing used EV batteries as energy storage in emerging economies can help maximize their economic value, reduce carbon emissions, and support the energy transition in developing regions.

The team aims to create a theoretical blueprint for a safe and equitable 'second-life' battery industry, starting with India and Africa, where they have strong partnerships. Their work focuses on three main areas: 

1. Exploring a circular battery economy between the Global North and South, including mapping battery flows and assessing environmental impacts.
2. Developing user-friendly tools for battery recertification to evaluate the health and remaining life of EV batteries.
3. Investigating how policies and regulations affect the adoption of second-life batteries in emerging economies and their relation to broader energy transition goals.

The project has six academic leads from the Department of Engineering Science, including Professor David Howey, Professor Charles Monroe, and Associate Professor Thomas Mostyn, who bring expertise in various areas like electrochemical engineering and energy market design. From the Smith School for Enterprise and Environment, Associate Professor Radhika Khosla and Dr. Anupama Sen contribute policy knowledge related to energy and climate governance, leveraging Radhika’s connections through the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development.

They believe Oxford is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative due to its historical role in lithium-ion battery development and its multidisciplinary strengths. The Oxford Martin School encourages collaboration across fields, making it a great hub for innovation. The program aims to recruit postdoctoral researchers to build diverse skills for leading the transition to Net Zero. They also plan to share findings with communities in India and Kenya to help them adopt electric transport and manage materials effectively. Professor Paul Shearing is excited about the project, highlighting that while the idea of repurposing EV batteries has been discussed for years, real progress has been limited. This initiative is an opportunity to reshape energy systems and promote sustainability, especially as battery research evolves.

Editor's Note:

As we work toward a sustainable future, moving to circular battery economies is a key step. With increasing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy, we need to rethink how we manage batteries throughout our lives. This initiative aims to repurpose used batteries and empower communities in emerging economies, promoting a fairer energy transition. 

Skoobuzz hopes that innovative strategies and teamwork will drive the development of these circular battery economies which ultimately leads us towards reducing global carbon emissions.