“The Future of Battery Technologies: A Discussion at the Imperial Policy Forum in Parliament”

The Imperial Policy Forum recently collaborated with the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee to host an event that delved into the future of battery technologies. This discussion was chaired by the Committee’s president, Viscount Stansgate, and featured presentations by esteemed experts in the field of battery research and development. Dr Billy Wu, Reader and Director of Research in the Dyson School of Design Engineering at Imperial College London, Martin Dowson, Chief Engineer for Electrification at Warwick Manufacturing Group and Electrification Director at the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, and Valentina Gentili, VP of Global R&D Agratas (formerly of Jaguar Land Rover), shared their insights with the audience.

The knowledgeable panelists addressed significant technological and policy challenges that the UK will encounter as it aims to expand its batteries manufacturing base. Dr Billy Wu highlighted the enormous potential that increased demand in batteries holds due to the transition to Net Zero. However, he also emphasised the need for the UK to intensify its efforts in order to fully capitalise on the economic potential derived from research and domestic supply chains. Martin Dowson stressed the importance of policy stability and ongoing Government support to ensure the long-term success of the battery sector. Likewise, Dr Valentina Gentili reiterated the need to champion research and innovation across the entire battery lifecycle to maximise benefits.

One of the key challenges discussed during the event was battery recycling. The current methods for recovering minerals are deemed too expensive and environmentally harmful to be viable on a large scale. The panel underlined the necessity for further research and innovation to address this challenge at a pace that aligns with the UK’s transition towards sustainable energy sources.

The discussions sparked by the presentations also touched on international competition in battery research, the potential of hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative energy storage solution, and the challenges related to battery remanufacturing.

The insightful event shed light on the pressing issues and opportunities in the field of battery technologies, providing valuable perspectives from leading experts. As the UK strives to position itself at the forefront of battery development, it is crucial to heed the advice of professionals and address the challenges head-on.

This engaging and informative discussion at the Imperial Policy Forum in Parliament has emphasised the importance of continuous innovation and supportive policies in driving the advancement of battery technologies. It serves as a reminder that sustained research and development efforts are essential for the UK to establish itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of sustainable energy.