lithium-ion batteries

The Covina City Council is set to vote on a 110-megawatt battery energy storage project proposed by RWE Americas, which has faced community backlash due to concerns over safety, transparency, and potential fires linked to lithium-ion batteries. The project, intended to stabilize the energy grid and generate economic benefits, was previously rejected by the city's planning commission after public opposition.

Vacuums sold by Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers are being recalled due to a fire risk linked to lithium-ion batteries. The CPSC reported that Rowenta, the manufacturer, has received over 65 global reports of batteries overheating or failing to charge.

A dumpster fire in Williamson County, Tennessee, was caused by lithium-ion batteries, according to Williamson County Fire Rescue. Firefighters contained the fire and warned the public to dispose of lithium-ion batteries at designated recycling or hazardous waste sites instead of throwing them in the trash.

A fire involving lithium-ion batteries injured four people, two seriously, in Queens early Friday morning. The incident occurred in the basement of a house at 172-12 91st Ave. in Jamaica, according to the FDNY.

The article examines the rise of lithium-ion batteries from the 1970s to their current geopolitical significance. It criticizes how wealthier nations pursue green energy goals while outsourcing the associated costs to other regions, as highlighted by the Financial Times.

San Francisco's Board of Supervisors passed legislation to ban the sale of non-certified lithium-ion batteries. Supervisor Bilal Mahmood cited over 100 building fires, hundreds of displaced families, and millions in property damage caused by these batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used but pose safety risks and limitations. Julia R. Greer's lab at Caltech has developed a new approach to make them less dangerous and more environmentally friendly.

China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd (CATL) plans to significantly increase production of sodium-ion batteries to address lithium price volatility, with annual output targeting 200 gigawatt-hours. This expansion aims to impact the electric vehicle and grid-storage sectors.

A refrigerated warehouse in Boyle Heights operated by Lineage Logistics has burned for nearly a week, releasing smoke containing toxic pollutants like foam insulation, wood pallets, and plastics. Public health officials warn of heightened health risks due to high levels of toxic organics and metals, but specific toxin monitoring remains limited. Authorities and researchers emphasize the need for precautions like air filters and masks.

Camden residents filed a class action lawsuit against EMR’s scrap metal facilities, alleging noxious emissions and repeated fires that have disrupted their property use. The company’s shredding facility has experienced over a dozen fires since 2020, prompting Camden to suspend its license, which EMR contested in court.

EMR, a scrap metal recycling company, sued the city of Camden over the suspension of its junkyard license following a two-alarm fire at its facility in May. The city cited multiple fires at EMR's facilities since 2020 as justification, while EMR claims the suspension violated its due process rights. Residents also filed a class action lawsuit against the company over emissions, and officials demanded the facility be shut down.

Lithium-ion batteries pose safety risks due to volatile liquid electrolytes, leading to incidents like exploding e-bikes and power bank fires. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is addressing these issues in 2025, but solid-state batteries remain unready.

Lithium-ion power banks must be carried in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage, due to fire risks. Passengers can generally bring two power banks with up to 100 watt hours without airline approval, but larger ones require permission. Aviation authorities have tightened rules after incidents, including a 2025 Air Busan plane fire linked to lithium batteries.

Researchers have developed an energy-efficient process to extract lithium from rocks, which regenerates starting chemicals and produces sellable byproducts. Current lithium extraction relies heavily on brines in South America, but this new method could offer a more economically viable alternative.

China's Ganfeng Lithium has secured orders through the first half of 2027 as global demand surges for energy storage systems and AI data center infrastructure. The company's production capacity is fully booked, reflecting strong market conditions driven by the energy storage boom and artificial intelligence investment frenzy.

Casely is reannouncing a recall of its 5,000mAh Power Pods wireless power banks after a fatality and additional overheating incidents. The recall, initially issued in April 2025 for 429,000 units, follows 28 new reports, including a plane incident and the death of a 75-year-old New Jersey woman from burn complications.

Ascend Elements, a battery recycler, is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to a canceled government grant and a difficult market for lithium-ion batteries. The company's financial troubles stem from both external funding issues and industry challenges.