Free Briefing is Second in Multi-Part Series Related to Current Legislative Priorities
Essential Energy Everyday, the communications initiative of Battery Council International (BCI), has launched the second in a series of highly informative, on-demand video webinars.
Each briefing is under 20 minutes in length. All are free and designed to aid busy policymakers and stakeholders in their understanding of energy storage, supply chain, and manufacturing infrastructure issues.
“Just as streaming has become a preferred method for viewing entertainment, we believe it’s also an effective way to connect with policymakers,” said Roger Miksad, BCI executive vice president. “Our goal is to give them easy access to information they’re looking for on their schedules, rather than a rigid one-time offering.”
Second Briefing: Vehicle Electrification & the Essential Role of Batteries
In the webinar, two of the battery industry’s leading experts discuss how 12V advanced lead batteries will be the reliable, sustainable and safe power source for electronics in electric and autonomous vehicles.
The presenters are:
- Jennifer Slater, vice president and general manager, global original equipment and products, for Clarios, a global energy storage solutions company.
- Pete Stanislawczyk, senior vice president transportation division, for East Penn Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest single-site lead battery manufacturing facility.
They examine the role of low-voltage lead batteries to power the more than 150 electronic functions in today’s automobiles. Nearly all existing electric vehicle (EV) platforms depend on an auxiliary 12V low-wattage lead battery to power a growing list of electric features and to back up safety systems.
According to Slater, “What is really important for everyone to understand is that no matter the powertrain, every vehicle will require a 12-volt battery.”
That perspective is reinforced by Stanislawczyk. “Lead batteries will be the primary stored power source for these systems. Based upon our insights, we believe lead AGM – or absorbed glass mat batteries – will be the battery of choice for the next 20-plus years.”
First Briefing: Critical Minerals & Supply Chains for U.S. Energy Storage
The first briefing, “Critical Minerals & Supply Chains for U.S. Energy Storage,” launched November 1, 2021. It features an insightful conversation between Roger Miksad of BCI and Dr. John Uhrie, vice president of exploration, research and technical development for The Doe Run Company. The industry leaders discuss the role of metals and minerals for a low-carbon future in the U.S. and internationally.
In the briefing, Dr. Uhrie elaborates, “The low-carbon future is coming, and there are a variety of minerals that are central to this low-carbon and renewable energy future.” He adds that these minerals are essential to the global battery market, which today is about $90 billion in value, but by 2030 will be $150 billion.
Miksad and Uhrie also examine the closed-loop manufacturing system in the U.S. that keeps 130 million lead batteries out of landfills each year and provides a continuous supply of recycled lead to manufacture new batteries. With a 99% recycling rate, the lead battery is the most sustainable battery chemistry available.
Webinar Series Addresses Legislative Priorities
Miksad noted that during the pandemic traditional engagement with policymakers in their offices or through in-person fly-ins has been paused. So, organizations like BCI are seeking more creative ways to maintain relationships.
“Our content is designed to highlight ways to meet U.S. energy storage needs through domestic resources, and address why supply chains, manufacturing infrastructure, minerals and battery innovation are essential to meet these goals,” Miksad said. “Our industry is engaged in creating products and services that are directly relevant to many of Congress’s legislative priorities.”
Additional Briefings Planned
Watch this space for future webinars on key topics related to energy, transportation and communications. Email info@batterycouncil.org to be notified of future webinars.
