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The Hidden Economic And Environmental Cost Of EV Batteries And How To Create A Sustainable Circular Economy

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–News Direct–

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga

The global push towards electric vehicles (EVs) represents a pivotal shift in efforts to reduce carbon emissions worldwide. In 2022, transportation was responsible for approximately 50% of greenhouse gas emissions and 80% of air pollutants in California. For Californian lawmakers, the solution was simple a policy to advance carbon neutrality by phasing out the sale of vehicles powered by fossil fuels. While electric vehicles (EVs) are a great way to help decrease carbon emissions, what many are unaware of is that the battery industry is still a contributor to waste and pollution.

There are some challenges when using EV batteries as a solution to achieving carbon neutrality, due to the environmental impact caused by the mining and refining processes of materials such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, lithium and graphite. The production of anode and cathode active materials also involves energy-intensive processes that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

However, while the lifecycle of EV batteries does generate waste, the overall environmental impact is less than that of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Thats why embracing the recycling of batteries is crucial to overall sustainability. However, even the battery recycling industry is facing challenges in achieving sustainability. Some companies, such as Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS), are looking to change that.

Aqua Metals: Addressing Challenges Faced By The Recycling Industry

Traditionally, battery recycling has relied on methods like hydrometallurgy, which, while somewhat effective in recovering valuable metals, comes with significant environmental drawbacks. These methods use large quantities of chemicals that lead to substantial waste production, primarily sodium sulfate.

In response to these challenges, Aqua Metals has pioneered a radically different approach to battery recycling that it says aligns with the principles of a circular economy. By electrifying the recycling process, Aqua Metals patented AquaRefining technology eliminates the need for harsh chemical reactions used in traditional metal recovery. This innovative approach not only reduces the embedded emissions from chemical use but also entirely avoids the production of sodium sulfate waste.

Sodium Sulfate Waste

Aqua Metals shares that in the recycling process of lithium batteries, the main waste material is sodium sulfate, which is a byproduct of the chemical reactions used to separate metals during certain processes. To put it in perspective, Aqua Metals says a typical battery recycler generates around 2 to 2.5 tonnes of sodium sulfate for every tonne of battery material recycled. Considering that only 50% of the battery material contains valuable substances such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese, the company reports that this means that the amount of waste produced is four to five times greater than the valuable materials recovered. In other words, the recycling process falls short of true recycling and instead contributes to pollution with a small stream of recovered metals.

While regulators arent yet cracking down on these recycling issues, inefficient and polluting recycling practices are at risk of facing obstacles and threats as regulations do evolve to address these issues. While moving away from fossil fuels is an essential part of staying below the 2 Celsius threshold that scientists around the world are urging leaders and industries to adhere to, its also critical when thinking about how to change existing practices to effectively evolve into sustainable ones.

Can The EV Battery Industry Become More Sustainable?

Recycling batteries is part of the answer, but sustainable recycling is key. Companies like Aqua Metals are at the forefront of this transition, redefining the recycling landscape with innovative technologies that are helping deliver a path to net-zero battery recycling. The companys AquaRefining method significantly enhances the sustainability of the recycling process, offering numerous benefits, such as:

1. Reduced Environmental Impact: By eliminating chemical waste, AquaRefining drastically cuts down the pollution typically associated with battery recycling, helping to preserve ecosystems and reduce landfill usage.

2. Economic Efficiency: With lower operational costs due to the absence of chemical handling and waste disposal requirements, the company says AquaRefining presents a more cost-effective solution for recycling batteries. This efficiency is particularly advantageous as the global demand for batteries increases, necessitating more robust and economical recycling solutions.

3. Support for Domestic Supply Chains: AquaRefining contributes to building domestic supply chains for critical battery materials. As more countries and companies look to reduce dependencies on foreign mineral sources, having a reliable, domestically produced supply of recycled materials is invaluable.

The environmental and community impacts of sourcing critical minerals for the clean energy economy are well documented. By pioneering advancements in sustainable recycling technology, we are enabling the circular battery economy and decarbonizing large portions of the clean energy supply chain, setting a new paradigm for the industryone that minimizes the environmental impacts of critical minerals and offers equitable economic opportunities to host communities. These principles of a circular economy are essential to achieving our most ambitious goals to combat climate change and provide a blueprint for an inclusive energy transition that respects both the planet and its people, shares Aqua Metals Chief Business Officer, Dave McMurtry.

The company recently received the title of 'Leader in Sustainability' bestowed by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) as part of its Existing Industry Awards. Its sustainable processes have garnered praise from U.S. Congressman Amodei and U.S. Senator Cortez-Masto, as well as accolades from the Office of Nevada Lieutenant Governor Anthony. Aqua Metals' pivotal approach to a sustainable circular supply chain for essential minerals is helping transform recycling as we know it.

Given the increasing reliance on battery technology and the imminent task of recycling millions of tons of lithium-ion batteries in the future, the implementation of eco-friendly recycling practices is critical. As the industry continues to evolve, Aqua Metals' innovative recycling process could not only offer a blueprint for future developments but also demonstrate the practical viability of environmentally friendly technology. By reducing the ecological footprint of battery recycling, Aqua Metals is not just processing materials it is shaping the future of energy and sustainability.

Featured photo by Josh Power on Unsplash.

Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders.

This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.

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View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/the-hidden-economic-and-environmental-cost-of-ev-batteries-and-how-to-create-a-sustainable-circular-economy-180439948

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Press Release

QuickBooks File Repair: Essential Steps to Restore and Protect Your Financial Data

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Brandon, MB, 22nd November 2024, ZEX PR WIRE, QuickBooks file repair is often necessary when a QuickBooks company file becomes corrupted or damaged. This can happen due to various reasons, such as system crashes, large file sizes, network issues, or power outages. Corrupted files can lead to issues like missing data, error messages, or QuickBooks freezing unexpectedly, so it’s essential to address these problems quickly to maintain data integrity.

As a QuickBooks company file grows, it can become more prone to corruption and performance issues, especially in older versions of QuickBooks that may not handle large files as effectively.

If multiple users are working on the same file over a network, disruptions in network connectivity can lead to file corruption. System crashes, power outages, or abrupt QuickBooks closures can cause file damage, as data may not be saved or closed correctly. 

The QuickBooks File Doctor is a free tool from Intuit that scans and repairs corrupted QuickBooks files. It addresses common issues and can resolve error messages related to data corruption, network issues, and Windows permissions.

The Rebuild Data utility within QuickBooks Desktop can fix minor data issues. This tool scans the file for errors and attempts to repair them automatically. To access it, go to “File” > “Utilities” > “Rebuild Data.”

If file size is the cause of corruption, condensing the data may help. The Condense Data utility reduces file size by summarizing older transactions, which can make the file more manageable and reduce the risk of future corruption.

If the file is significantly damaged, restoring from the most recent backup can often be the quickest solution. QuickBooks allows users to create regular backups, so if you’ve been backing up your data, you may be able to restore it without losing much information.

For severe file corruption, or when standard tools fail, contacting a QuickBooks file repair specialist may be necessary. Professional services can often repair damaged files without data loss, restoring the integrity of financial records.

QuickBooks file repair is crucial to prevent data loss and keep financial records accurate. Regularly backing up data, monitoring file size, and maintaining a stable network connection can reduce the risk of file corruption, ensuring smoother, uninterrupted use of QuickBooks.

Visit https://quickbooksrepairpro.com/quickbooks-data-recovery.aspx for more information.

About QuickBooks Repair Pro

QuickBooksRepairpro.com is a leading QuickBooks File Repair and Data Recovery, QuickBooks Conversion, QuickBooks Mac Repair, and QuickBooks SDK programming services provider in North America, serving thousands of business users all over the world. With over 20 years of experience with Intuit QuickBooks, QuickBooksRepairpro.com assists QuickBooks users and small businesses with a variety of services and work with the US, UK, Canadian, Australian (Reckon Accounts), and New Zealand versions of QuickBooks (PC and Mac platforms).

For more information, visit https://quickbooksrepairpro.com/

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QuickBooks SuperCondense reduces file size more drastically than standard condensing, resulting in faster load times and smoother navigation

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Brandon, MB, 22nd November 2024, ZEX PR WIRE, QuickBooks SuperCondense is a specialized process used to significantly reduce the size of large QuickBooks company files, helping improve software speed and stability. Over time, QuickBooks files can become sluggish as more transactions are recorded, leading to delays, errors, or even corruption issues. A SuperCondense, which goes beyond the built-in “Condense Data” utility, can help resolve these issues by reducing file size by up to 80%.

Large file sizes can cause QuickBooks to slow down, affecting user productivity and increasing the chance of crashes. SuperCondense reduces file size more drastically than standard condensing, resulting in faster load times and smoother navigation.

Smaller files are less prone to corruption, which can occur when QuickBooks attempts to handle oversized files. SuperCondense helps protect data integrity, reducing the need for frequent repairs or data recovery.

Moving large QuickBooks files to QuickBooks Online can be challenging due to file size limits. SuperCondensing your file before migration ensures it meets size requirements, allowing for a seamless transition to the cloud.

Smaller files are easier to back up and store, reducing storage costs and simplifying data management processes.

During SuperCondense, older or inactive transactions are summarized, and unused items (like vendors or customers) are removed or archived. Unlike the regular condense process, which may only summarize old transactions, SuperCondense minimizes every aspect of the file, providing a more compact and efficient end result.

QuickBooks users can use professional services for a SuperCondense process, as it’s not included in the standard QuickBooks software. These services ensure a smooth reduction process while preserving essential data, helping businesses maximize QuickBooks performance without losing historical information.

SuperCondense is an effective way for businesses to optimize their QuickBooks files for faster, more reliable performance. By reducing file size significantly, businesses can enjoy a smoother QuickBooks experience, better data protection, and simpler cloud migration, making SuperCondense a valuable option for those dealing with large, sluggish files.

https://e-tech.ca/Quickbooks-Super-Condense-Service.aspx has more information.

About E-Tech

Founded in 2001, E-Tech is the leading file repair, data recovery, and data conversion services provider in the United States and Canada. The company works to stay up to date on the latest technology news, reviews, and more for their customers.

For media inquiries regarding E-Tech, individuals are encouraged to contact Media Relations Director, Melanie Ann via email at Melanie@e-tech.ca. 

To learn more about the company, visit: www.e-tech.ca

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GlobalTradeAxis.com Redefines the B2B Marketplace with Genuine Business Opportunities

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Summary: GlobalTradeAxis.com, a top-notch platform addressing the biggest challenge businesses face: generic inquiries that fail to convert into meaningful opportunities and aims to transform the B2B marketplace with authentic inquiries and real connections.

To address the latest approach, GlobalTradeAxis.com is set to revolutionize the B2B marketplace with authentic inquiries and real connections. Spearheaded by CEO Deepak Chaudhary, GlobalTradeAxis offers a visionary solution designed to transform the way buyers and sellers connect globally.

A vision born from real experience, Deepak Chaudhary, the CEO of Global Trade Axis, explains, “After exploring various marketplaces and listening to countless clients, one recurring issue became evident: businesses were inundated with generic inquiries that rarely turned into actual opportunities. We created Global Trade Axis to solve this problem by verifying every inquiry, removing junk leads, and ensuring urgent buyer needs are matched with the right sellers.”

Here are some features that stand out Global Trade Axis.com in the B2B marketplace, including:

  1. Authentic and Relevant Inquiries: Every inquiry on the platform is rigorously vetted to eliminate junk, ensuring businesses receive high-quality leads that are genuinely interested in their offerings.
  2. Instant Matches for Urgent Needs: GlobalTradeAxis uses smart algorithms to quickly connect buyers with sellers who can fulfill their urgent requirements, saving time and increasing efficiency.
  3. One Platform, All Solutions: From sourcing raw materials to expanding product reach, the platform offers a complete ecosystem for businesses to thrive.
  4. Client-Centric Innovation: By addressing real-world challenges faced by buyers and sellers, GlobalTradeAxis provides a solution that goes beyond being just another listing site.

By solving problems with one platform, Global Trade Axis’s vision is clear to create a platform that eliminates the inefficiencies and frustrations of traditional marketplaces. “We believe businesses deserve more than just a directory of contacts. They need a reliable partner that provides verified connections and real opportunities,” he said.

Whether they’re a buyer seeking reliable suppliers or a seller looking to expand their market reach, GlobalTradeAxis.com is their go-to solution for meaningful business connections. It’s time to move beyond the clutter of generic inquiries and embrace a smarter, more effective way to trade.

Visit GlobalTradeAxis.com today and discover the future of global B2B trading.

About Global Trade Axis:

GlobalTradeAxis is a leading B2B platform founded by Deepak Chaudhary with the vision of solving marketplace challenges through innovation. By combining verified inquiries with user-centric technology, the platform bridges the gap between buyers and sellers, creating a seamless global trading experience.

Company Name = Global Trade axis

Contact Person = Deepak Chaudhary

Contact Email = enquiry@globaltradeaxis.com

City = New Delhi

State = India

Website link: http://www.globaltradeaxis.com/

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