• Deakin University

Battery Energy: Sustainable Battery Technologies

Explore sustainable battery solutions for electric vehicles and renewable energy with recycling, materials, and circular design.

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  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    6 hours
  • Languages

    English, Italiano, EspañolEnglish, Italiano, Español
  • Premium course

    $224What's included?
  • Accreditation

    AvailableMore info
The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Design more sustainable batteries for a cleaner energy future

How can we power the transition to clean energy without creating new environmental problems? As electric vehicles and renewable energy systems expand rapidly, the environmental impact of battery production and disposal has become a critical concern.

You’ll examine how to reduce the environmental footprint of battery technologies through smarter materials choices, recycling processes, and circular economy principles, reshaping how we think about battery sustainability.

Examine sustainability challenges in battery materials

Investigate the environmental, economic, and social factors driving the need for more sustainable battery manufacturing.

You’ll explore challenges in sourcing raw materials and learn about alternative materials that could reduce environmental harm.Making informed decisions about material selection and supply chain management in battery development and deployment.

Learn about battery recycling and circular economy principles

Discover how batteries can have second-life applications after their initial use and explore strategies for improving resource efficiency. You’ll examine circular economy principles for battery design, production, and end-of-life management.

These approaches help conserve valuable resources, reduce waste, and create new business opportunities in the battery lifecycle.

Consider policy and ethical dimensions of battery technology

Explore how government regulations and ethical considerations shape battery supply chains and manufacturing practices. You’ll develop skills to contribute to more sustainable practices in renewable energy storage and electric vehicle sectors.

You’ll walk away with a strong understanding of the policy landscape positions you’ll navigate, influencing the regulatory environment affecting battery technologies.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 0 seconds FAEZEH MAKHLOOGHI AZAD: As battery technologies continue to evolve, particularly in electric vehicle and renewable energy systems, the need for sustainable practises has never been more urgent.

Skip to 0 minutes and 18 seconds Hi, and welcome to sustainable battery technologies. I’m Dr. Faezeh Makhlooghi Azad, and I’m very excited to be part of this important conversation about powering our world more responsibly. We will explore the environmental, economic, and ethical challenges of battery production, from the impact of mining for materials like lithium and cobalt to the complex supply chains that raise serious questions about sustainability and human rights. We will discover innovative approaches to battery recycling, including hydrometallurgy and direct recycling, and how second-life batteries are being repurposed for grid storage and other applications. We will look at how manufacturers are designing batteries with recyclability in mind and how circular economy principles are being applied across the industry.

Skip to 1 minute and 15 seconds Beyond the technical aspects, we’ll dive into the policies and regulations shaping the future. From global directives to corporate responsibility, you will learn how change is being driven at every level. This course is tailored for professionals working in engineering, renewable energy, and education, whether you are upskilling for new role or deepening your understanding of emerging technologies. Together, let’s discover how sustainable battery technologies can help us build a cleaner and greener future.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to sustainability in battery materials

    • Let’s get started

      Meet your teaching team and other learners, and find essential information about this course, including valuable tips and links to help you get the most out of your learning.

    • Sustainability in battery materials

      Learn about the role of batteries as well as associated impacts and issues in their production.

    • Weekly wrap

      Reflect on the key ideas presented this week and find out what is coming up in Week 2.

  • Week 2

    Recycling, reusing, circular economy & second-life applications

    • Recycling and reusing batteries

      Explore the challenge of Li-ion battery waste, as well as opportunities for recycling and reuse.

    • Life cycle assessment and circular economy

      Learn about life cycle assessment and the circular economy in relation to batteries.

    • Weekly wrap

      Reflect on the key ideas presented this week and find out what is coming up in Week 3.

  • Week 3

    Innovations in sustainable battery technologies

    • Sustainable chemistry

      Learn about sustainable battery chemistries, including in material choice.

    • Energy-efficient cell production

      Learn about infrared, laser and microwave cell drying.

    • Advances in sustainable battery technologies

      Explore more sustainable alternatives to LIBs and biodegradable and recyclable innovations.

    • Course wrap

      Reflect on what you’ve learnt over the duration of this course, and find out more about how to use your credential before considering the next steps of your learning journey.

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify the environmental, economic, and social factors that highlight the need for sustainability in battery manufacturing, usage, and disposal.
  • Identify key strategies for improving resource efficiency and principles of circular economy as applied to battery design, manufacturing, and recycling.
  • Identify the roles of government policies, industry regulations, and ethical considerations in influencing sustainable battery manufacturing and supply chains.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for engineers, electricians, and professionals looking to develop skills in battery technology, renewable energy storage, electric vehicles, and sustainability practices for a cleaner energy future.

Who will you learn with?

I am a PhD candidate at Deakin University and work on electrochemistry and energy storage. My research is focused on the synthesis of advanced electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

I’m an ARC Industry Fellow, Deakin University, advancing safer, greener, and more affordable energy storage technologies. I’m passionate about educating communities on the benefits of these devices.

Who developed the course?

Deakin University

Deakin University is one of Australia’s largest universities with more than 61,000 students and over 15,000 online.

  • Established

    1974
  • Location

    Melbourne, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 280Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

What's included?

This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Tests to validate your learning
  • Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
  • Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime

Still want to know more? Check out our FAQs

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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