The Future of Battery Production

As the global community increasingly embraces sustainable energy solutions, the battery industry is at a pivotal moment. Leading experts in the field gathered for a plenary session on “The Future of Battery Manufacturing” at the 2nd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference in Singapore, where they engaged in insightful discussions on the challenges and innovations that are set to define the trajectory of the sector.

The panel included experts such as Prof. Shirley Meng of the University of Chicago; Dr. Ulderico Ulissi, Research Manager at Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL); Dr. Cheng Qian, President of Gotion APAC; and Gary Gong, Senior Manager of Portfolio Development at Siemens Digital Industries Software.

Meeting energy demand, innovation

Professor Meng presented a forward-looking vision for battery technology in a previous plenary session. With the world population expected to grow to 8.5 billion by 2030, the majority of this population will now live in developing economies. This demographic shift will significantly increase energy demand, requiring an estimated 85 terawatt-hours (TWh) of battery storage capacity, assuming a per capita usage of 10 kilowatt-hours. The projected proliferation of 5G-connected devices, reaching an estimated 6 billion smartphones and tablets, will increase the need for advanced fast-charging and discharging technologies. As 1 billion cars transition to electric power, along with advances in electric aircraft and heavy-duty trucks, the number of vehicles could decline.

However, the inclusion of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is expected to improve vehicle utilization. Meanwhile, the future energy grid is likely to rely on alternative technologies such as hydrogen, hydropower and thermal power to store 100 TWh long-term.

The professor emphasized the importance of translational research and entrepreneurial ventures in her cohort, including startups focused on battery technology and recycling. She emphasized the critical role of the National Laboratories in providing infrastructure that supports innovation and helps startups address challenges such as financial constraints, scaling issues, and market mismatches. She advocated for retaining knowledge and talent within academic institutions and the National Laboratories.

Professor Meng called for a collaborative environment where startups can test their ideas before approaching established companies, suggesting such an approach could benefit Southeast Asia.

Challenges in battery technologies

Dr. Ulissi of CATL, a Chinese company that is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries, discussed the challenges of moving battery technology from research to commercialization. He emphasized the importance of skepticism when analyzing industry promises and connecting scientific research with practical applications.

Dr. Ulissi noted the complexity of scaling up high-quality production and the growing tendency for startups to partner with established companies to achieve this goal.

Even though sodium is more common and cheaper than lithium, Dr. Ulissi believes that sodium-ion batteries will not completely replace lithium-ion batteries. Integrating sodium ions into the battery supply chain is still a work in progress, and significant efforts are needed to develop and optimize the technology.

Development of safer and more efficient batteries

Dr. Qian shared the progress and challenges in developing battery technology, particularly in areas such as recycling, high-temperature performance, and energy density. He highlighted innovations at the material level, such as improving battery mechanics and safety. Considerable progress has been made despite some unresolved issues, particularly in maintaining high energy density while ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness.

Dr. Cheng also emphasized the importance of cycle and storage efficiency, noting that the company has already begun mass production and won customers for the new battery materials.

Global Market Dynamics in Manufacturing

Siemens Digital Industries Software’s Gong delved into the growing global battery market, which is being driven by growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. While China, Japan and Korea remain dominant players due to their established expertise, European and American companies are increasingly entering the market, driven by concerns about supply chain security.

Siemens, a global powerhouse, is joining forces with leading battery manufacturers to increase the efficiency of their development and production. They are offering state-of-the-art simulation tools and manufacturing solutions to help these companies innovate faster. They are also helping to expand successful operations into new markets, particularly in Europe, the US and Southeast Asia – a significant boost for the industry.

The role of cooperation

Connecting scientific research to real-world commercialization is key. Key players—from industry leaders and researchers to policymakers—must work together to ensure the industry’s continued and environmentally sound expansion. The path forward for battery manufacturing is based on establishing connected, sound, and environmentally sound practices.

Key industry leaders shared innovative ideas and strategies that have the potential to change the energy landscape in the ASEAN region and beyond. The future of battery manufacturing is bright, with scientists, industry leaders and governments coming together to build a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.