Adult Education in Battery Value Chain: Opportunities and Challenges
Ulla Lassi
Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry, University of Oulu
The European Union has recognized the strategic importance and enormous business potential of metals related to energy storage, specifically to lithium-ion batteries and their value chain. Recent reports1,2 identified knowledge gaps and future skill needs in the battery value chain.
BattValue, is a demand-driven project, based on the industrial needs. Indeed, it touches the key aspects of the battery supply chain, based on the core competence required in companies now and in future, and will contribute to educate new professionals for new, high-level jobs. The objective is to give adult learners a good knowledge in theory (courses) and practice (training for smaller target groups). Course module will cover the battery value chain, from battery chemicals to end products, including battery cells, battery modules, end users, recycling and reuse. The key idea is to educate adult learners on the eco-design and sustainability of materials, processes and battery technologies for future energy storage.
Totally 7 basic and advanced courses and 2 trainings have been implemented. Courses are online, and open for adult learners by 2027. All courses were evaluated by testimonials (with course feedback), and adult learners can study the courses regardless of time and place. Courses are also marketed to several stakeholders especially in participating countries. Key challenges have been identified during the BATTValue. Although companies report a persistent lack of education and training in the battery value chain, the number of participants has been low and/or participants have not completed courses.
BATTValue partners are University of Oulu (Finland), Uppsala university (Sweden), University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy), The Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg TUBAF (Germany), Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences MEERI (Poland), and University of Bologna (Italy).
References:
1. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_2312
2. https://eitrawmaterials.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/EIT-RawMaterials-Fraunhofer-Report-Battery-Expert-Needs-March-2021.pdf
More information: www.battvalue.com
