NORTHAM: China is not geologically blessed with every material you could want for the energy transition. But Andrew Miller with Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, an analysis group, says China was just much faster than other countries at recognizing the shift to EV batteries and developed a long-term strategy.
China is way out in front when it comes to converting the metal to raw materials for batteries; the International Energy Agency puts its share of global refining capacity at 58 per cent. Until similar facilities are operational in Europe, the US, or Africa itself, China will be the main customer for Africa’s lithium.
The perspective is shared by Yang Baorong, a researcher at the China-Africa Institute, who said that China provides Africa with high-quality and affordable green energy technologies and products, making them accessible to more African people.
Despite the continent's immense renewable energy potential, around 600 million people in Africa still live without electricity. Nevertheless, with the increasing availability of affordable Chinese clean and renewable energy products and technologies in Africa, a bright future driven by a green transition is in sight. ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
China dominates the EV battery industry. Can the rest of the world catch up? China is dominant in every aspect of electric vehicle battery technology. Now the rest of the world is trying to catch up. SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
These include tripling global renewable energy capacity, doubling the pace of energy efficiency improvements and transitioning away from fossil fuels. This special report brings together the latest data and information on batteries from around the world, including recent market developments and technological advances.