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Overcoming Issues of Scale: How Can the UK Turn World-Leading Research into World-Leading Industry?

According to the International Energy Agency, “Li-ion battery demand increased by about 65% to 550 GWh last year, primarily as a result of growth in electric passenger car sales, with new registrations increasing by 55%.” Demand is not slowing down, and neither can the battery industry. However, building the foundations for a competitive battery manufacturing presents a real challenge for UK-based businesses. This session will address how the UK can turn its world-leading research capabilities into world-class manufacturing.

Questions for discussion:

  • What are the key barriers in scaling up new battery technologies from research to industry? 
  • How can partnerships between academia and industry expedite this transition?
  • Does the UK want and need gigafactories, what are the alternatives?
  • What role does government policy play in supporting the commercialisation of innovative battery technologies?