extent.

My point was only the supply chain and reverse supply chain of LI-ION batteries (and solar panels) involves ALOT of heavy metal mining, which has a significant environmental impact. As such, I take the claim that LI-ION batteries and renewable are sustainable with a grain of salt.

There is still a strong need for traditional thermal plants to meet the energy needs of a service territory when renewable production goes off line.

In Arizona for example, peak solar production happens around 12 noon-2 PM, but peak electricity demand is approximately 3PM - 9PM (summer demand). As all that CA and AZ solar energy goes offline, energy is needed in the 1,000s of megawatts. Currently, the largest battery projects are barely in the 100s of megawatts.

In any event, how energy storage takes shape will have some pretty significant impacts on the electric utility industry.