Article | February 20, 2019

Green New Deal Makes Lead Batteries an Even Bigger Deal

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal changed our country for the better. Now, a proposed modern-day version called the “Green New Deal” is sparking conversation and excitement across Washington about how to achieve climate change goals. The lead battery industry is ready to be part of the solution.

Here’s the gist: The Green New Deal is an economic stimulus program aimed, in part, at addressing climate change by moving our communities into a secure, sustainable future. Lead batteries already have a head start in doing so. They are a reliable, sustainable energy storage technology that is actively helping to meet our critical renewable energy storage and modern transportation needs.

Renewable Energy:  Lead Batteries Provide Critical Energy Storage 

Lead batteries will be one of the key enabling energy storage technologies to aid in the transition to electrification. Plus, unlike other storage options, lead batteries are the most environmentally sustainable battery technology – with an almost 100 percent recycling rate in the U.S. Here are some other reasons why lead batteries are a leader in renewable energy storage solutions:

  • A large number of solar and wind facilities use lead batteries to regulate variability. The batteries store excess energy when demand is low and release it when demand is high.
  • Lead batteries are an established, economical battery technology, with the responsiveness and scalability needed to meet our country’s growing renewable energy storage needs.
  • The U.S. lead battery industry has a robust, coast-to-coast network for efficient manufacturing, collection and recycling.
  • Lead batteries are highly cost effective. They provide superior cost-benefit value in comparison to other energy storage chemistries.

Transportation: Lead Batteries Enable EV Revolution and Reduce Greenhouse Gases

Currently, transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Lead batteries are helping to reduce those emissions and boost fuel economy by supporting fuel-saving electric vehicles (EVs) and start-stop technology. Here are some facts:

Lead Batteries Go Beyond National Battery Day

Lead batteries are an essential bridge from today’s capabilities to tomorrow’s possibilities. They are a future technology widely employed across transportation and energy storage, but also in healthcare, as a safeguard for critical telecommunications and data centers, and more. With a 150-year proven track record, lead batteries are sure to be a major solution for new challenges ahead.

Join us in celebrating National Battery Day, February 18, by staying informed. Watch this short video – “Future Powered By Lead Batteries” — on the role of lead batteries in the future.

We think FDR, the innovative thinker that he was, would be impressed!

Learn More

Enabling the Electric Vehicle Revolution Infographic
Start-Stop Vehicles Reduce Emissions & Boost Fuel Economy Infographic
Renewable Energy Storage Information Brief

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Dr. John Uhrie, Doe Run

With improved cooperation among stakeholders, increased research funding, and by following the circular economy example of lead batteries, the U.S. can regain domestic supply chain security and advance a low-carbon and renewable energy future.

Dr. John Uhrie, Vice President of Exploration, Research and Technical Development, The Doe Run Company