Supercharging the Battery Minerals Value Chain
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The world of mobility is rapidly changing. The market for electric vehicle (EVs), in all their forms, is growing exponentially. Combined with technological disruptions in the energy space, the rise of EVs puts battery technologies at the core of sustainable development. Multiple technologies and chemistries, with their respective advantages and shortcomings, are competing in a market currently dominated by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). BMW SA CEO Peter van Binsbergen has said that the next generation of BMW cars built in SA must include electric models if the local division of the German luxury car maker is to retain its export markets. To explore the opportunities for South Africa to have a role in the LIB value chain Michael Avery spoke to Dr Blanche Ting, Energy and Low Carbon coordinator, UNIDO, South Africa Regional Office, providing an overview of the low carbon transport project; Edem Foli, Programme Manager, uYilo, presenting on the battery manufacturing landscape in the Southern African Development Community (SADC); Gaylor Montmasson-Clair, Senior Economist, TIPS; and Paul Osborne, Director, Balancell.