Here's some more light reading:
World Demand for Battery Materials to Hit $22.8 Billion by 2012
This post was written by Cliff on May 11, 2009
Posted Under: News As a result of an increased demand for hybrid and all-electric vehicles as well as the continued development and advancement of wireless consumer electronics, the worldwide need for advanced batteries is reaching new levels. According to the Cleveland-based industry research firm The Freedonia Group, Inc.; the global market for materials used to produce these batteries will ascend to $22.8 Billion by the year 2012.
“World demand for materials used in the manufacture of batteries will rise 3.9 percent per year to $22.8 billion in 2012. Gains will be driven by strong growth in the production of lithium ion (Li-Ion) and nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, which are increasingly being used in consumer electronics and motor vehicles. Additionally, rising income levels in the developed world will fuel demand for materials in alkaline and lithium consumer batteries.”
As China, South Korea, India and other Asian countries continue leading the way in production of advanced battery technologies, they will be among the countries set to experience the greatest demand for battery materials. And while the report was favorable for the production of lithium ion and nickel metal hydride batteries, this was not the case in regards to older battery technologies such as lead acid, zinc-carbon and nickel-cadmium. According to the report, the demand for materials used in the production of these types of batteries is likely to decrease throughout the coming years.
thebatterytimes.com
