Year: 2017
Type: report
Abstract: Our evaluation demonstrates the importance of assessing environmental and social impacts across the whole supply chain to mitigate potential adverse impacts ahead of the implementation of new technologies. Best practice for battery safety KEY CHALLENGE:There are safety risks during transport, installation, use and handling and processing at end-of-life for energy storage batteries.Current safety initiatives are happening in the right direction but at the wrong pace.Safety risks are being addressed through industry-led voluntary initiatives, including the development of installation guides, training, accreditation pathways, the establishment of a national energy storage register, as well as standards development.However, the level of industry and consumer awareness and engagement may be out of step with the rapid rate of deployment and technology development.OPPORTUNITY: There is an opportunity to promote the development of a vibrant and world-leading industry that models a culture of safety and best practice in installation, maintenance, use and end-of-life management.Fostering stakeholder awareness and incentivising the industry to engage with safety guidelines, without creating barriers for the emerging market necessitates consistent government intervention.Responsible end-of-life management KEY CHALLENGE: Energy storage batteries present a future waste management challenge, but if managed strategically, are a resource recovery opportunity.In the absence of an economic driver or clear policy directives there is currently no certainty for industry to invest in local end-oflife solutions for recycling and reusing storage batteries.OPPORTUNITY: Australia has an opportunity to develop a stewardship approach to ensure the sustainable management of batteries across the whole product lifecycle.There is a strong rationale to act now to engage all stakeholders in developing a viable approach and to drive timely investment in recycling infrastructure and technology.A further impetus to act now is to coordinate with the current safety initiatives that are targeting retailers and installers -these stakeholders are critical for supporting a sustainable product stewardship scheme.
Authors: Nick Florin, Elsa Dominish
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2805222489