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Carbon footprint distributions of lithium-ion batteries and their materials

Author

Listed:
  • Leopold Peiseler

    (ETH Zurich; Clausiusstrasse 37
    ETH Zurich; Gloriastrasse 35
    ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 41)

  • Vanessa Schenker

    (ETH Zurich; Laura-Hezner-Weg 7)

  • Karin Schatzmann

    (ETH Zurich; Clausiusstrasse 37
    ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 41)

  • Stephan Pfister

    (ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 41
    ETH Zurich; Laura-Hezner-Weg 7)

  • Vanessa Wood

    (ETH Zurich; Gloriastrasse 35
    ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 41)

  • Tobias Schmidt

    (ETH Zurich; Clausiusstrasse 37
    ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 41)

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries are pivotal in climate change mitigation. While their own carbon footprint raises concerns, existing studies are scattered, hard to compare and largely overlook the relevance of battery materials. Here, we go beyond traditional carbon footprint analysis and develop a cost-based approach, estimating emission curves for battery materials lithium, nickel and cobalt, based on mining cost data. Combining the emission curves with regionalised battery production announcements, we present carbon footprint distributions (5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles) for lithium-ion batteries with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC811, 8-1-1 ratio; 59, 74 and 115 kgCO2 kWh−1) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP; 54, 62, 69 kgCO2 kWh−1) cathodes. Our findings reveal the dominating impact of material sourcing over production location, with nickel and lithium identified as major contributors to the carbon footprint and its variance. This research moves the field forward by offering a nuanced understanding of battery carbon footprints, aiding in the design of decarbonisation policies and strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Leopold Peiseler & Vanessa Schenker & Karin Schatzmann & Stephan Pfister & Vanessa Wood & Tobias Schmidt, 2024. "Carbon footprint distributions of lithium-ion batteries and their materials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-54634-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54634-y
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    1. Shirley Lu & George Serafeim & Simon Xu & MarcAntonio Awada, 2025. "Tracking business opportunities for climate solutions using AI in regulated accounting reports," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-20, December.

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