Last week, we heard from Caleb Dawson of Advanced Power & Energy on the cleaner, safer, and more reliable energy storage solution found in nickel-zinc batteries. Here in the Oil Region, we are surrounded by the beauty of both our landscapes and waterways. It’s something that we want to protect—to steward. And this area is just one of the many diverse ecosystems found on this earth, so let’s look at what this new technology is doing better.
It’s no secret that, historically, the extraction and production of materials for batteries have caused significant environmental damage. Mining the metals needed has often resulted in land erosion, water pollution, habitat destruction, and the loss of vital ecosystems. In the past, weak or unenforced environmental regulations allowed for unchecked pollution and ecosystem damage. The intensive energy demands of mining, combined with the use of hazardous chemicals for processing, have left lasting, often visible scars on the landscape. These problems were compounded by a limited focus on recycling and the responsible disposal of batteries, leading to hazardous materials entering landfills.
In recent years, however, advancements in technology and increasing environmental awareness have driven significant improvements in the extraction and processing of battery materials. New methods to reduce water usage, minimize chemical waste, and lessen dependence on ethically and environmentally problematic materials have emerged.
One of the most important innovations in reducing the environmental impact of battery production is the increasing focus on recycling and urban mining—the recovery of battery materials from used batteries and electronic waste. Instead of relying solely on traditional mining, these processes recover valuable metals from old batteries, reducing the need for additional raw material extraction. Continuing these advancements is crucial for reducing the overall environmental impact of battery production and ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is truly sustainable.
This shift is extremely important in the context of the global move toward green energy. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more widespread, the need for effective energy storage solutions is growing. Batteries are a key component of this future, but if their production continues to cause environmental harm, it undermines the very goals of sustainability and carbon reduction. By improving extraction processes, reducing reliance on harmful materials, and increasing the focus on recycling, the industry can help ensure that energy storage technologies contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable planet, rather than perpetuating the environmental damage of the past.
Negative environmental impact is something the Oil Region has experienced in the past. Many folks around the area remember seeing pollution running into our rivers and streams. Thankfully, with the help of local conservation advocates, many of our watersheds are bouncing back, but it doesn’t end there. Now, we have a chance to be part of the ongoing search to find better processes and more effective solutions to true sustainability.
Want to continue the conversation? If you would like to learn more or if you would like to get involved or have your voice heard, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach out via email: rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org. Keep an eye on our website: riverrootsredevelopment.org and Facebook page @RiverRootsRedevelopment for more updates and for upcoming Community Coffee Chats, where you can find out more about local projects and share your own ideas with some of those involved in local redevelopment.
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Rachel Brosnahan is the Community Engagement Coordinator for River Roots Redevelopment. She can be reached by email at rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org.
