A new study shows that the lack of sulfuric acid due to increased green energy can lead to battery shortages.
Sulfuric acid is currently produced as a waste by-product from the desulfurization of crude oil petroleum and natural gas. This accounts for more than 80% of the world's supply in the form of sulfur dioxide gas emissions that reduce acid rain.
However, as the global economy shifts to decarbonizing and tacklingclimate change, the knock-on effect of a decline in the fossil fuel industry means that sulfur supplies will decline. To do.
Ironically, the global demand for sulfuric acid will rise significantly from ``246 million tonnes to he 400 million tonnes'' by 2040 to create greener technology. It's a schedule.
Researchers at University College London have found that the rate of decarbonization could lead to a shortfall of 100-320 million tonnes of annual supply, equivalent to 40-130% of current supply. I'm assuming it has potential.
“Sulfur deficiencies have occurred before, but what makes this different is that the source of the element is away from the waste products of the fossil fuel industry. , that as supplies of this cheap, abundant and readily available form of sulfur deplete, demand could be met by a significant increase in direct mining of elemental sulfur. It will be toxic, destructive and expensive," explained Professor Mark Maslin.
"There is an urgent need for research to develop low-cost, low-environmental impact methods for the extraction of large amounts of elemental sulfur from deposits of sulfate minerals abundant in the Earth's crust." The international community should consider supporting and regulating sulfur mining to minimize the impact of the transition and avoid market distortion through cheap and unethical production.”
They also suggest that research is needed to develop low-cost, low-environmental impact methods of extracting large quantities of elemental sulfur from the Earth's crust. Our concern is that declining supplies could lead to a transitional period, where greener technologies will overtake the fertilizer industry for more expensive and limited sulfur supplies, reducing food production, especially in developing countries. problems,” said Dr. Simon Day. said the study's co-authors.
Carlton Cummins, chief technology officer and co-founder of battery company Aceleron, commented, "It's absolutely imperative to look at how battery products are manufactured," the report said. added that it "clearly shows what we need." We focus on designing and building energy storage products that can be serviced, repaired, maintained and upgraded as technology advances.
"This approach ensures longer battery life while eliminating unnecessary waste of the planet's finite resources. It also creates a more positive chain reaction, ultimately needs to reduce the need for as much sulfuric acid as was needed in the past. Potential resource crises that could threaten security” is published online in theGeographical Journal.