Batteries are the backbone of the energy transition. From grid-scale storage to next-gen chemistries, the world is racing to shape a trillion-dollar industry.

But what are the fundamental differences between battery types? And which are actually game-changers?

To explore the battery market, I’m joined by Dave Borlace, the voice behind Just Have a Think, a YouTube channel trusted by 600,000+ people for its break down of complex climate and energy topics into compelling narratives.

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What we discussed:

Why battery tech is essential for the future of the grid

A breakdown of 6 battery types (from lithium-ion to aluminium-ion)

How China took the lead in battery manufacturing

What metrics matter: energy density, cycle life, cost, safety, and weight

… and more!

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Where to find Dave Borlace:

YouTube: Just Have a Think

LinkedIn: Dave Borlace

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(00:00) Introduction

(01:33) Batteries and the Energy Transition

(10:45) Lithium-Ion Dominance

(24:49) Exploring Lithium-Sulfur

(31:04) Is Sodium-Ion Viable?

(35:07) The Promise of Solid-State Batteries

(38:53) Incumbents vs. Innovators

(42:07) What’s Up with Flow Batteries?

(47:06) The Potential of Aluminum Batteries

(49:58) Rapid Fire Questions 🔥

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This episode is a bit different from our usual format. Typically, I sit down with climate investors, angels, VCs, and PEs. But this time, I wanted to try something new.

It's summer, and I thought it was the perfect moment to invite Dave Borlace, creator of Just Have a Think and one of the clearest voices on climate technology, to break down the battery landscape for us.

He's not an investor, but he’s a brilliant educator.

I hope you enjoy this special episode as much as I did.

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