Most geothermal energy plants inject water deep into the ground where the earth’s heat energy turns it into steam used to generate electricity.
The wastewater from this process is full of elements that are not abundant on the surface and that includes lithium. Without going too far into battery technology lithium batteries last four times as long as conventional ones and can deliver a lot of energy quickly. The latter feature is extremely useful for electronics and hybrid cars. The 150 MPG cars you hear about are made with lithium-ion batteries.
This is a great example of a change needed at the demand level. Energizer makes them but the cost makes them a rare purchase despite the advantages. A synergistic relationship between battery makers and geothermal energy producers is very important. The educated consumer will buy them but needs to realize that you get what you pay for and 99 cent batteries last only hours.
Filed under: Business, Energy, Environment, Geothermal, News, Recycling, Science | Tagged: alternative energy, Batteries, Business, Companies, Gadgets, Geothermal, lithium batteries | 1 Comment »
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