How can we make better batteries? | Dr. Shirley Meng | TEDxChicago

Transitioning to a sustainable, decarbonized economy requires a massive, unprecedented expansion in battery storage capacity. Currently, global production meets only 1% of the hundreds of terawatt-hours needed to support widespread electrification and renewable energy integration. Bridging this "scaling gap" demands rapid innovation in battery chemistries, including sodium-ion, metal-air, and solid-state technologies, which offer greater efficiency and use more abundant, recyclable materials than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Beyond technical breakthroughs, this transition necessitates a $10 trillion global investment over the next decade. Successfully implementing these advancements will enable reliable, grid-scale energy storage, foster energy independence, and provide the infrastructure required to replace internal combustion engines and manage intermittent renewable sources, ultimately securing a more prosperous and sustainable planet for future generations.