We could soon be faced with a battery shortage as the planet starts moving towards renewable energies.
Researchers from University College London has noted that a lack of sulphuric acid is a potential future resource crisis that could “stifle green technology and threaten food security” from global decarbonisation.
A waste biproduct of desulphurisation of crude oil and natural gas, sulphuric acid is currently in abundance, and makes up more than 80% of the global supply.
The by-product is useful for global products, including the production of phosphorus fertiliser and manufacturing lightweight electric motors and high- performance lithium- ion batteries.
However, as the global economy attempts to tackle climate change by decarbonising energy production, the knock-on effect means the supply of sulphur will decrease, meaning we could face a…
Could batteries be our next global shortage?
