Battle for energy storage battery talent

How many jobs will the battery industry have by 2030?

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence; 31 October 2023 ), this translates to 300,000 to 1.4 million jobs by 2030. For the US battery energy storage sector alone, the 2022 National Renewable Energy Lab report estimated that a minimum of 130,000 additional workers (compared to 2020 estimates) would be needed by 2030.

How can a non-battery workforce help solve battery challenges?

Diversifying talent by recruiting from non-battery backgrounds will also be important because it has the added benefit of fresh perspectives to address battery challenges. For instance, knowledge from the paint industry could enable accelerated development of coating processes in battery manufacturing.

Why is there a battery skills shortage?

The increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the battery field, contrasting with mostly singular disciplinary educational offerings, could be a contributing factor to the battery skills shortage, particularly in battery engineering positions.

What disciplines contribute to battery development?

Many disciplines contribute to battery development: material scientists develop next-generation materials, electrical engineers explore novel state-estimation techniques for battery management systems, and policymakers create new regulations for increased sustainability.

What is a future battery industry?

A future battery industry not only requires a sufficient volume of talented individuals but also demands interdisciplinary awareness and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Providing upskilling opportunities and routes for transitioning between fields will be important for the cross-pollination of ideas.

Can project-based learning help solve multi-physics battery challenges?

Furthermore, greater adoption of project-based learning with multidisciplinary teams can facilitate a greater understanding of the multi-physics battery challenges. A notable example is the Formula Student competition, where multidisciplinary engineering teams design, make, and race electric vehicles.