Globally, momentum for battery technology is gathering momentum
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Battery technology has become a crucial factor in an era of technological breakthroughs and drive toward sustainability. From electric vehicles and portable electronics to renewable energy, efficient and reliable energy storage solutions are key to building a sustainable future. The global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to touch $57.4 billion in 2024 and go up to $98.5 billion by 2030.
New courses
Globally, momentum for battery technology is gathering momentum with universities such as Stanford and MIT in the U.S. establishing courses involving electro-chemistry for manufacturing of batteries. Similarly, in Germany, the Technical University of Munich has included topics such as manufacturing of batteries and their recycling in its curriculum. In India, academic institutions such as IITs and IISc have initiated programmes like Energy Engineering and Battery Materials and Design, which lag behind their international counterparts in practical exposure and industry collaborations. This area requires strategic partnerships to enhance the quality of education and prepare students by integrating internships, research projects, and hands-on training into the curricula.
The growing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources underlines the need for innovation in battery chemistries. Advanced chemistries like Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NMCA) are leading this evolution. LMFP combines the safety and longevity of Lithium Iron Phosphate with a much higher energy density, ideal for EV applications, while NMCA enhances energy efficiency, reduces cost, and minimises the use of critical materials like cobalt. Another promising development is in solid-state batteries, which are safer and provide better energy density than traditional options, though scalability issues also remain.
The collaboration between academia and industry is critical to the development of battery research, as can be seen from successful examples such as the partnership between Tesla and Dalhousie University or CATL and Tsinghua University. Indian institutions need to initiate research activities that align with real-world applications and industrial demands. If academic efforts can be aligned with practical needs, India can contribute to innovation in the field of battery engineering and drive the global energy transition.
Battery technology plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but its production and disposal are serious environmental concerns. Recycling and closed-loop systems offer promising solutions. For example, recycling lithium-ion batteries can save up to 30% of CO₂ emissions compared to mining new materials and recover up to 95% of valuable metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. A circular system can reduce waste by 60%. Educational institutions must incorporate these sustainability principles into their engineering curricula and prepare future engineers to design batteries that are easier to recycle and reuse so that environmental harm can be minimised while meeting the growing demand for energy storage solutions.
Specialised career paths
The battery industry offers diverse and specialised career paths. Current mainstream options include design engineers, assembly operators, solid-state researchers, and circular economy analysts. The preparation of the next generation of battery engineers will be critical to meet the surging demand for clean energy and sustainable technologies. It is in the collective efforts of academia, industry stakeholders, and policymakers that a skilled workforce can be built to drive the global transition to a greener, more energy-efficient future.
The writer is the Co-Founder and Director, Vidyuta Materials Pvt. Ltd.
Published – May 11, 2025 10:30 am IST
