A pioneering collaboration between Stora Enso, a major global private forest owner, and Swedish developer Altris is set to enhance the production of environmentally friendly batteries using tree-derived materials. This partnership aims to decrease Western dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains by leveraging a renewable resource abundant in Nordic forests. The collaboration focuses on developing sodium-ion batteries, a potential alternative to the dominant lithium-ion batteries widely used in mobile phones, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries could utilize lignin, a natural polymer found in the cell walls of dry-land plants, as a key component in battery anodes.
Stora Enso and Altris are exploring the use of Stora Enso’s Lignode material, derived from lignin, which comprises 20-30% of trees and contains carbon essential for battery anodes. This initiative aims to create what they describe as the “world’s most sustainable battery.” Juuso Konttinen, head of biomaterials growth at Stora Enso, emphasized the potential of bio-based materials like lignin to significantly enhance the sustainability of battery cells. Currently, most battery anodes are manufactured using graphite, a supply chain predominantly controlled by China, according to a report by the International Energy Agency.
The shift toward lignin, a by-product of pulp manufacturing, could ensure a consistent and stable supply of raw materials for anode production. By developing these resources within Europe, Stora Enso aims to establish a local battery value chain that reduces environmental impact and promotes energy independence. This development comes at a critical time as global energy storage demands escalate with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. The partnership seeks to mitigate Western reliance on Chinese lithium-ion battery supply chains and foster sustainable technological advancements in the energy sector.
Stay informed on supply chain news at The Supply Chain Report. Free international trade tools are at ADAMftd.com.
#SustainableEnergyNews #GreenTech #BatteryInnovation #EcoFriendlyTechnologyNews #SupplyChainSustainabilityNews
