**Electric Batteries: Towards a Sustainable Supply Chain Revolution**
Analyzing the International Energy Agency (IEA) report entitled “EV Battery Supply Chain Sustainability”, it is clearly indicated that the electric battery market is set to experience a spectacular evolution in the coming years. With a forecast of demand growth multiplied by four by 2030 and by seven by 2035, it seems crucial to question not only the environmental impact of this technological revolution, but also the challenges and opportunities it brings at the socio-political and economic levels.
### Exploding Demand
This surge in demand, which was calculated on the basis of an impressive growth of 40% in 2023 compared to 2022, underlines the growing importance of electric vehicles, which alone represent almost 90% of this consumption. The question then becomes whether this increase is sustainable in the long term, especially in a context where several major car brands, as well as innovative start-ups, are committed to creating increasingly competitive vehicles in terms of battery technology.
If we project ourselves into a more ambitious scenario where the climate commitments of nations are fully respected, demand could reach a ninefold increase by 2035. This already impressive figure could even climb to twelve if the global energy sector achieves carbon neutrality by 2050. This places the debate in a dimension quite different from a simple increase in sales: it is a systemic change that could shape the global economy.
### A Changing Ecosystem
The figures presented by the IEA underline not only the growth in demand, but also the need for a sustainable production model. The manufacture of batteries requires scarce and often ethically problematic resources, including lithium, cobalt and nickel. The issue of human rights and working conditions in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, raises a series of moral questions that companies must integrate into their supply chain. The transition to ethical sourcing then becomes not only an environmental but also a social imperative.
### Innovation as a Shield
Faced with this colossal challenge, innovation appears to be the best response. Emerging companies are getting involved in the development of hybrid battery technologies, where the emphasis is on recycling and sustainability. Some pioneering start-ups are even developing batteries based on sodium, a more abundant and less environmentally problematic resource.. In addition, the biotechnology sector is making its first forays into organic materials that can replace heavy metals in batteries, bringing an additional green touch to this industry.
### Towards a Collaborative Approach
The IEA report also paves the way for collaborative thinking on the future of electric batteries. Countries, companies and NGOs must work together to establish rigorous and sustainable standards for production and supply. This could include the development of international regulations that would promote transparency and compliance with social standards at all stages of the supply chain. Indeed, international collaboration could harmonize business practices while generating recognition for the efforts made by each actor.
### In Conclusion
The growing demand for electric batteries represents both an opportunity and a major challenge. While the economic outlook seems promising, it should not overshadow the environmental, ethical and socio-political implications of this revolution. As the world moves toward a greener future, it is in the ability of stakeholders to act responsibly and collaboratively that they will find the key to sustainability – for themselves, for future generations, and for the planet. The coming decades will be decisive and could well determine not only the way we consume, but also our relationship with technology and the environment in a constantly changing world.