Energy transition

Oilfield Technology Leads the Way in Pursuit of Undersea Metals Vital to Energy Transition

Controversial metals-rich nodules sitting on the seafloor could hold the key to increased battery production needed to support the energy transition.

A giant pile of polymetallic nodules in the Hidden Gem’s hold collected during the integrated pilot collection system test in the CCZ.
A giant pile of polymetallic nodules in the Hidden Gem’s hold collected during the integrated pilot collection system test in the CCZ.
Source: The Metals Company.

A carbon-free world and green economy have a lot riding on the future of electricity generation and storage. As the world moves away from hydrocarbons and toward electricity to power everything from cars to the factories that make them and beyond, there is yet another crucial hurdle to clear. To meet the expected electric future for vehicles alone, it will take more manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium than we as a planet are currently producing. These elements are the building blocks for the batteries that power the electrified future—and they are finite.

Supply concerns have already hit automakers as more and more look to grow their electric vehicle (EV) footprints.

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