This week we’re bringing you a deep dive into battery supply chains, straight from the season premier of The Big Switch podcast.
Across this five-episode documentary series, hosted by the acclaimed energy scholar Dr. Melissa Lott, the show examines every step of the sprawling global supply chains behind lithium-ion batteries.
This first episode breaks apart one of the battery cells that was in the original Tesla Roadster. Then, it explore how critical minerals, like copper, lithium, and nickel, are becoming a major force in global geopolitics, especially involving China, which dominates battery supply chains.
The supply chain behind all those batteries could be worth nearly half a trillion dollars by 2030. Whoever controls that supply chain has enormous power, figuratively and literally. So what are the stakes of the battery-based transition — and will critical minerals will look anything like oil?
This is partner content, brought to you by Columbia University. It borrows from an interview that appeared on The Big Switch, a Latitude Studios partner podcast.
The Big Switch is a show that explains how we can rebuild the energy systems all around us. Dr. Melissa Lott, Professor of Practice at Columbia’s Climate School, brings together historical examples, current events, and incisive analysis to give listeners a deep understanding of the solutions to climate change. To listen to the full five-part series, including episodes on mining, manufacturing and more, subscribe to The Big Switch on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
