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Note: To facilitate the open exchange of views and ideas, Energy Futures Lab regularly invites external speakers to present their work. The institute does not endorse the contents of these webinars. In the spirit of constructive debate, audience members are invited to participate in a Q&A and challenge the research presented.

Abstract

DeepGreen Metals, Inc. recently commissioned a year-long study that examines how we can source the vast mineral resources required to transition our energy, transportation and industrial infrastructure away from fossil fuels with the least planetary impact. This green transition will require a massive injection of new metal and the World Bank has projected that demand for minerals for low-carbon technologies is to rise 500% by 2050. But where will this metal come from and at what cost? The first-of-its-kind study uses a lifecycle sustainability analysis (LCSA) framework and standard lifecycle analysis (LCA) methodology to compare the environmental, social and economic impacts of two potential sources of minerals needed to manufacture EV batteries: land-based ores and deep-ocean polymetallic nodules. All metal production is impactful, but polymetallic nodules offer material advantages over land-based ores. When comparing mining battery metals on land versus the ocean, nodules can deliver:
• 70% less CO2e direct emissions
• 94% less stored carbon at risk
• 90% reduction in SOx and NOx emissions
• 100% less solid waste
• 94% less land use
• 93% less wildlife at risk
We look forward to sharing the key findings of our study with you and to taking your questions.

Biographies

Daina Paulikas

Daina Paulikas is an independent researcher and multidisciplinary consultant. With Boston Consulting Group training, she has independently consulted for the World Bank, city governments, Google, and many startups and non-profits. She also co-founded a logistics tech startup and was a defense systems engineer for Northrop Grumman. Daina holds an MSc in Econometrics from the London School of Economics, an MBA from the Harvard Business School, and a BS in Physics from Caltech.

Dr Steven Katona

Dr Katona is President Emeritus of the College of the Atlantic where has taught for over 30 years. Dr Katona is also Co-founder and Managing Director of Conservation International’s Ocean Health Index which assesses major pressures affecting the ocean and their impacts on its species and habitats, and for humanity.

About DeepGreen

DeepGreen Metals Inc. is a polymetallic nodules exploration and development company on a dual-mission: (1) supply metals for the green transition with the least possible negative environmental and social impact and (2) accelerate the transition to a circular metal economy. DeepGreen has developed a process for producing battery metals from polymetallic nodules with near-zero solid waste, eliminating the need for tailings dams on land.

About Energy Futures Lab

Energy Futures Lab is one of six Global Institutes at Imperial College London. The institute was established to address global energy challenges by identifying and leading new opportunities to serve industry, government and society at large through high quality research, evidence and advocacy for positive change. The institute aims to promote energy innovation and advance systemic solutions for a sustainable energy future by bringing together the science, engineering and policy expertise at Imperial and fostering collaboration with a wide variety of external partners. The Energy Futures Lab daytime seminars are delivered by staff and students from across the College and further afield.

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