Lithium: The Global Race for Battery Dominance and the New Energy Revolution

by Lukasz Bednarski

How a little-known mineral will affect our jobs and daily lives as much as, if not more than, AI or Big Data have done.

A global energy revolution is unfolding before our eyes: ever-growing numbers of electric vehicles on our roads, laptops that last all day on a single charge and solar panels on our roofs, all reliant on lithium-ion batteries. This revolution is happening at breath-taking speed, with the potential to completely transform key industries and the way we live.

For the first time in history, we can now actually store this green energy we talk so much about. Often referred to as ‘the new oil’, lithium allows large amounts of energy to be squeezed into a very small space. Demand is soaring, and the lithium business is full of drama: bitter rivalries, shady deals and exceptionally talented visionaries such as Elon Musk, who is building lithium battery giga-factories across the world.

This book travels from the salt lakes of the Tibetan plateau, where Chinese government–linked companies extract lithium, to Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, which hold the world’s biggest resources of the mineral. It reveals superpowers’ struggle to secure strategic supplies, and the astonishing efforts of lone-wolf inventors and entrepreneurs. Lithium also explores the environmental impact of lithium extraction, the limits to battery electrification, and lithium battery recycling as the way forward.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Business, History, Politics, Technology

256 pages, Hardcover

Published July 1, 2021

Reviews

[Soumya Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read on the batteries ecosystem, that covers key companies and countries from mining of rare-earth metals and processing into components at various stages of the battery supply chain. Lots of historical and geopolitical context, as well as, high-level material science and technical explanations. Great book to develop an understanding to dive deep into the batteries space. Loved reading it.

[Nuria Castaño monllor · Rating 3 out of 5]

El tema es interesantísimo y el libro abarca tanto cuestiones de desarrollo físico y tecnológico de la cuestión como una amplísima narración de los distintos posicionamientos y políticas geo-estratégicas pasadas y presentes de operadores mundiales, tanto estados como empresas. Pero la exposición es un caos que salta de un tema a otro sin explicación ni orden.

[Mahamid Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book on the history, use and future of lithium. It does a great job of contextualising the role of China, and the speed at which China is gaining hold of the batteries and EV markets. It not only covers the economic aspects of lithium, but also the social, environmental and political aspects of lithium exploration, processing, cathode making and finally battery development for EVs.

I would reccommend anyone interested in EVs, batteries and lithium to read this very thorough book on Lithium.

[Vladi Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a very valuable insight into China's strategic role in securing critical minerals. It effectively highlights the country's aggressive approach and the challenges faced by other nations in competing with its dominance. The book could benefit from a more balanced perspective and a deeper exploration of "potential solutions" to the ethical and environmental issues associated with mineral extraction. This last issue is also pending in the currently developing geopolitical landscape of a more globalized world.
A great book !!

[Cody Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep history of lithium & its role in geopolitics from its early days being utilized solely for ceramic & glass to today's battery electric vehicle revolution & the enormous consequences of not controlling your energy future.

Lukasz covers China, Australia, & most in depth Chile as the world's current leading processor & miners of lithium. A must read for those interested in the elements future.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wouldn't have minded a bit more on the nickel, graphite and re use/recycling dynamics. Still a highly recommended read

[Ferhat Culfaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great primer on Lithium mining, chemistry, industry and EV technologies.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

good explainer but for the weird and widely debunked argument that Salvatore Allende was deposed because of the economy and not the CIA.

[Lan · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a page-turner. explained the Lithium battery history and current development in a very engaging way