Moreover, critical minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt play a central role in the energy transition in general and in particular the manufacture of lynchpin technologies like grid-scale energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. . In a lithium-ion battery, the movement of lithium ions between the anode and cathode generates free electrons in the anode, which produce the actual charge at the positive end terminal of the battery which then flows to the motors or electronics being powered. Lithium-ion batteries are charged and. . Grid infrastructure has become a major force in determining which battery materials matter most. Nations increasingly focused on energy security are. . While lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries dominate today's market, their limitations in cost, safety, and scalability for grid applications have spurred innovation in alternative materials and technologies. By 2024, the cumulative capacity of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) reached 150 GW / 363. .
