INTRODUCTION TO BATTERIES IN THE POWER GRID

Society is transitioning from oil dependency to metal dependency as we are turning to fossil-free alternatives in the energy and transport sectors. Today, many more metals in the periodic table are used in our daily lives compared to only a few decades ago and many metals that previously had marginal applications are today central to achieving the climate goals. But where do these metals come from and how are they linked to geology?In this course, you will explore the basics of geology and understand how geology controls where critical metals are in the earth’s crust. You will gain insight into what it takes to mine an ore body and broaden your perspective on what risks and challenges we are facing when it comes to the raw material supply that drives the fossil-free energy transition. This course covers the role of ore geology in the transition to fossil-free energy and transport systems, which means that we are moving from oil dependency to metal dependency. Geological processes throughout the earth’s history are responsible for the current distribution of ore deposits. By understanding how these ore forming processes work, we can better explain why certain metals occur in extractable amounts in one place while being almost absent in another. To meet the global demand of metals needed in, for example, solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries, a thorough understanding of how geological processes work is fundamental. In this course, you will be introduced to the fantastic world of the subsurface that made all the technology you take for granted possible.    You will explore: What critical metals are, where they are produced today, and what risks and challenges are involved in the supply of raw materials that drives the fossil-free energy transition. Basic geology – minerals, rock types, geological structures and why they matter. What an ore is and the natural processes that accumulate metals in the earth’s crust.  This course is designed for people that would like to gain knowledge about the role of geology in the transition to fossil-free energy systems. The course is for those who want to know more about what critical metals are, how an ore is formed, and about risks and challenges coupled to the supply of raw materials that drive the energy transition. This may include politicians and other authorities, teachers and students in elementary and high school that want to know more about subjects critical to the energy transition. It may also include university students within the social sciences, and many more. The course will also be useful for anyone who is employed and wishes to upskill within the area of societal challenges coupled to the supply of raw materials and the need for metals in modern society. The course will be given in english.

This course provides a glimpse into the world of batteries. We all use batteries every day, but do you really know how a battery works, what’s inside it, what it’s useful for, and how scientists are trying to improve them for the future? Content This is an introductory course adressing Battery basics The development of the lithium-ion battery Applications and requirements Materials used to build batteries What happens to a battery when it’s finished its life? How batteries are being developed for the future Course structure The course is completly self paced. It will take you about 10-15 hours in total to complete. You will learn It is hoped that after the course you will be much more aware of the battery world, the requirements, applications and components of a battery, as well as having a wider perspective of how this important technology will develop over the coming decade.  Who is this course for? As a participant in this course, you ideally have some form of technical background, probably studied sciences at college or even in higher education, or have experience in a technical profession. 

Batteries and battery technology are vital for achieving sustainable transportation and climate-neutral goals. As concerns over retired batteries are growing and companies in the battery or electric vehicle ecosystem need appropriate business strategies and framework to work with.This course aims to help participants with a deep understanding of battery circularity within the context of circular business models. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement circular business models and strategies in the battery and electric vehicle industry, considering both individual company specific and ecosystem-wide perspectives. You will also gain the ability to navigate the complexities of transitioning towards circularity and green transition in the industry.The course includes a project work to develop a digitally enabled circular business model based on real-world problems. Course content Battery second life and circularity Barriers and enablers of battery circularity Circular business models Ecosystem management Pathways for circular transformation Design principles for battery circularity Role of advanced digital technologies Learning outcomes After completing the course, you will be able to: Describe the concept of battery circularity and its importance in achieving sustainability goals. Examine and explain the characteristics and differences of different types of circular business models and required collaboration forms in the battery- and electric vehicle- industry. Analyze key factors that are influencing design and implement circular business models based on specific individual company and its ecosystem contexts. Analyze key stakeholders and develop ecosystem management strategies for designing and implementing circular business models. Explain the role of digitalization, design, and policies to design and implement circular business models. Plan and design a digitally enabled circular business model that is suitable for a given battery circularity problem. Examples of professional roles that will benefit from this course are sustainability managers, battery technology engineers, business development managers, circular developers, product developers, environmental engineers, material engineers, supply chain engineers or managers, battery specialists, circular economy specialists, etc. This course is given by Mälardalen university in cooperation with Luleå University of Technology Study effort: 80 hrs

The global demand for battery metals is rapidly increasing, posing both environmental and economic challenges. Traditional metal extraction methods are resource-intensive and often have negative environmental impacts. Hydrometallurgical extraction offers a sustainable solution by using less energy and enabling the recovery of valuable metals from both primary and secondary resources. This course introduces participants to processes and techniques for optimizing the extraction of battery metals for a sustainable future. Course content • Basic principles of hydrometallurgical extraction• Techniques for recovering battery metals from end-of-life batteries• Environmental and sustainability aspects of metal extraction What you will learn • Understand the fundamentals of hydrometallurgical extraction and its role in sustainable metal recovery• Identify methods for recovering metals from various resources• Analyze sustainability challenges and implement solutions to minimize environmental impact Who is the course for? The course is designed for professionals in material recycling, the chemical and process industries, as well as researchers and engineers working with sustainable resource extraction. It is also suitable for those interested in learning the basics of metal extraction techniques for a sustainable future. LanguageThe course is offered in Swedish. Additional Information The course includes 40 hours of study and is offered for a fee.  

Batteries are a key component of future energy systems and electrification, but their production must become more sustainable. Manufacturing processes need to be optimized to minimize environmental impact while maintaining performance and safety. This course provides an introduction to battery production, covering everything from material selection to manufacturing techniques. Course content Materials and components for battery manufacturing Production processes and quality control Sustainability aspects in battery production What you will learn Understand the fundamental steps in battery manufacturing Identify sustainability challenges and propose improvements Analyze processes to ensure high quality and performance Who is the course for? The course is designed for professionals in the battery industry, materials researchers, and engineers working with production and sustainability issues. It is also suitable for those interested in learning the basics of battery manufacturing for future applications. Language The course is conducted in English. Additional information The course includes 60 hours of study and is offered for a fee.

Energy cycle and basics of redox chemistry - The course will first give an introduction about some fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry that are essential to understand the transfer of energy in living organisms.  Photosynthetic organisms as green batteries - The course will then focus on plants and their extraordinary energy metabolism allowing them to store solar energy to power the rest of living organisms as well as our societies. More sustainable future - Through many examples, we will see how photosynthetic organisms can be used to operate a green transition at different levels of our societies. Lectures are mandatory, no exam. On-site. Learning outcomes Get, through well illustrated lectures, a primary contact with the scientific tools and knowledge necessary to understand the concepts of bioenergy. Accessible to Suitable for interested public, primary school teachers, students and all persons out of gymnasium.   The course can start as early as Autumn 2026. Further details about the course start and registration will be available soon.