Does West Asia have enough lithium for battery energy storage

What drives lithium demand?

Lithium demand is primarily driven by total battery storage capacity (kWh), which remains similar across different battery chemistries. 15 Battery capacity per vehicle is variable, influenced by technology and user preferences.

Can China achieve a lithium supply-demand balance?

These findings suggest that unless China receives additional raw materials supplies, achieving a lithium supply-demand balance under scenarios of low supply and maximum battery capacity (low-S7, low-S8) is unattainable in the current trade network structure, even if import capabilities are expanded to the maximum.

Should lithium supply be a risk for stationary storage systems?

Therefore, as long as countries remain able to access foreign lithium supplies, there should be no gross supply risk for stationary storage systems. Notably, grid storage batteries compete with a separate and significant source of lithium demand. That source is electric vehicles.

Why is lithium a key component of grid-scale battery storage systems?

Lithium is a central component of grid-scale battery storage systems. Crucially, these batteries can store curtailed renewable energy, allowing it to be used later in the day when clean generation is unavailable. However, as more renewable energy and battery systems are deployed, it is important to track the global supply of lithium.

Can international trade supply regional lithium markets?

International trade can supply regional lithium markets, yet this potential is constrained by total exports and market accessibility, including competition from other actors. 37 The lithium supply within a region or country is inevitably linked to global trade patterns.

Which countries have a smaller supply of lithium?

Europe is projected to have a significantly smaller supply, ranging from 10 to 12 kt (Tables S5 and S6), reflecting its early stage of lithium mining development. Meanwhile, the USA is expected to expand its capacity to 34 kt based on its sole active lithium mine (Tables S7 and S8).