Techno-economic Model Research Articles

Apple Pomace Integrated Biorefinery for Biofuels Production: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Sustainability Analysis

The combination of techno-economic process modelling and life cycle assessment is an integrated methodology that addresses quantitative operational data, and evaluates the emissions associated with any process under development. In particular, the valorisation of waste streams within the context of the circular economy could be considered a valid and promising approach, especially regarding techno-economic and environmental indicators. This manuscript aims to evaluate the integral valorisation of apple pomace from the processing industry into bioethanol, and vinasses (a byproduct of the distillation process) into biogas and digestate as biofertiliser. In addition to biogas production, lagooning and composting were considered as strategies for vinasse management. After the conceptual design of the process options was completed, the environmental profile of bioethanol production was estimated across different scenarios. When biogas production was integrated to reduce the biorefinery’s energy demand, the carbon footprint was 1.13 kg CO2eq∙kg−1. This footprint increased to values around four when lagooning and composting were used as vinasse management strategies. Although the economic dimension posed a significant limitation due to high investment costs, the eco-efficiency analysis showed that the scenario of the co-production of bioethanol and biogas is the best alternative. Despite the promising results, further research is needed to explore the recovery of additional co-products to develop a high-potential strategy for apple pomace.

Techno-economic analysis of green hydrogen integration into existing pipeline infrastructure: A case study of Wyoming

While green hydrogen production technologies like electrolysis have reached commercial scale, the primary challenge centers on efficient, and economically viable transportation of hydrogen. This study proposes an integrated geospatial techno-economic modeling approach to optimize hydrogen transportation through blending in existing pipelines. The simulations strategically locate green hydrogen production and blending points. The paper evaluates blending ratios, flow dynamics, and operating parameters to optimize hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines. A techno-economic analysis quantifies costs and revenues across the supply chain, identifying the most economically viable hydrogen blending locations. The approach is validated through a case study in Wyoming, providing insights for industry stakeholders considering hydrogen-natural gas blending as a transition strategy. This integrated method offers a robust decision support tool for leveraging existing infrastructure to realize hydrogen's potential as a sustainable energy vector contributing to the broader goal of cleaner energy alternatives.

Renewable syngas production and technoeconomic validation in a pilot-scale reactor of air and air-steam gasification of biomass

Optimal conditions for the gasification at the pilot scale of pine chips biomass feedstock with two different gasifying agents (air and an air/steam mixture) are determined. Ten experimental tests were performed at a fixed temperature, air stoichiometric ratio, and steam-to-biomass ratio. Results showed cold gas efficiencies circa 75 % (air) and 95 % (air/steam), yielding ∼3 Nm3syngas/kgbiomass, in both cases, and lower heating values of 7.6 and 8.5 MJ/Nm3, respectively. Hydrogen production and process performance were assessed and compared to those found in literature, showing a good performance considering biomass, ca. 35 g H2/kg biomass. A techno-economic model fed with the experimental results obtained was validated. The model established that air gasification could be more profitable for energy than air/steam gasification, especially at higher scales. The internal return rate was less than 1.5 years; nevertheless, air/steam mixture as a gasifying agent more adequate for H2/biofuel production.

The role of agriculture for achieving renewable energy-centered sustainable development objectives in rural Africa

Multi-dimensional and overlapping barriers to wellbeing severely affect many areas in rural sub-Saharan Africa. In the region, more than 90% of cropland is rainfed, less than one third of households have electricity, almost 60% of the population reports food insecurity, and more than 35% of the population lives below the international poverty line. Climate change impacts on vulnerable systems with limited adaptive capacity and strong population growth are increasing the magnitude of these challenges, slowing and potentially reversing development. Thus, there is a strong need for multi-sector interventions across multiple levels, from national policies, to regional and river catchment-scale planning, to local planning and investment. To implement such actions, it is key not only to assess technological solutions and their investment needs, but also to appraise their feasibility and implementation potential (from both a policy and a financial point of view). Here, we implement a modelling platform (RE4AFAGRI platform), which soft-links bottom-up process-based water and energy demand and techno-economic infrastructure assessment models (WaterCROP, M-LED, OnSSET) into a multi-node, national Nexus-extended Integrated Assessment Model (MESSAGEix-Nexus) for supply and investment assessment. The results of our analysis shed light on the role of water and energy demand in the agricultural sector for jointly affecting infrastructure and investment requirements for achieving rural sustainable development objectives. We find that scenarios with increased ambition in expanding irrigation and agricultural productivity result in improved diffusion and economic feasibility of infrastructure to provide universal energy access while supporting productive uses of energy. Moreover, we conduct business model analysis to appraise the framework conditions and micro and macro determinants that can ensure feasibility of investment and uptake of small-scale infrastructure, crucial for rural development. Altogether, our research demonstrates how integrated modelling with an explicit focus on Nexus interlinkages can represent the enabling role and the business conditions for renewable energy input in agriculture to become a leverage of rural sustainable development. In turn, important policy and investment-relevant insights can be derived.

A cost-effectiveness comparison of renewable energy pathways for decarbonizing heavy-duty vehicles in China

Decarbonizing heavy-duty vehicles is becoming increasingly important, yet multiple renewable-based decarbonization pathways have not been compared systematically. To fill this gap, this study develops a techno-economic and environmental model that integrates the fuel cycle and vehicle cycle to assess these pathways for China. The model includes two energy storage technologies: batteries and hydrogen, three energy transmission options, and two vehicle types: fuel cell electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. Five distinct low-carbon pathways are evaluated on a ton-kilometer basis, including cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and abatement cost relative to conventional diesel trucks. Results indicate that the most cost-effective battery electric vehicle pathway offers a 7 % lower ton-km cost than diesel trucks for a 49-ton gross vehicle weight. Battery electric vehicle charging combined with hydrogen for power generation is more cost-effective than direct use of hydrogen in fuel cell electric vehicles. All studied pathways can achieve over 80 % emission reduction compared to diesel trucks, with fuel cell electric vehicle pathways having the highest abatement costs of 103–117 USD/tonCO2. Analysis of the impact of gross vehicle weight and vehicle range indicates that battery electric vehicle pathways outperform fuel cell electric vehicle pathways across most dimensions. Costs of battery electric vehicle pathways do increase sharply for vehicle ranges beyond about 700 km, and fuel cell electric vehicles become more cost-effective relative to battery electric vehicles for ranges above approximately 1100 km, although all pathways are much more costly than diesel trucks at long ranges. The sensitivity analysis highlights the importance of powertrain efficiency and cost projections show that fuel cell electric heavy-duty vehicles can achieve cost-parity before 2030. These results highlight the desirability of promoting the adoption of heavier battery electric vehicles and providing more targeted subsidies for long-range fuel cell electric vehicles.

Evaluation of Green and Blue Hydrogen Production Potential in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rich renewable energy resources, specifically wind and solar in addition to geothermal beside massive natural gas reserves. This paper investigates the potential of both green and blue hydrogen production for five selected cities in Saudi Arabia. To accomplish the said objective, a techno-economic model is formulated. Four renewable energy scenarios are evaluated for a total of 1.9 GW installed capacity to reveal the best scenario of Green Hydrogen Production (GHP) in each city. Also, Blue Hydrogen Production (BHP) is investigated for two cases of Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) with different percentages of carbon capture. The two BHP scenarios were compared with a base case scenario of hydrogen production from natural gas without CCS/U (gray hydrogen). The economic analysis for both GHP and BHP is performed by calculating the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) and cash flow. The LCOH for GHP range for all cities ($3.27/kg–$12.17/kg)) with the lowest LCOH is found for NEOM city (50% PV and 50% wind) ($3.27/kg). LCOH for the three SMR cases are $0.534/kg, $0.647/kg, and $0.897/kg for SMR wo CCS/U, SMR 55% CCS/U, and SMR 90% CCS/U respectively.

Region specific economic model for solid sorbent direct air capture using geothermal energy resources (S-DAC-GT)

Low temperature geothermal resources, ranging from 80° to 120 °C, may substantially lower both the cost and the CO2 emissions footprint of CO2 direct air capture (DAC) systems. This paper provides a model for determining a region-specific economic analysis for DAC with solid sorbent (S-DAC) using geothermal resources (S-DAC-GT).This paper provides a methodology and program for calculating estimated cost and carbon emissions for potential S-DAC facilities on a region-specific basis. The paper outlines the necessary region-specific characteristics required as parameters for the techno-economic model. The region-specific characteristics are then applied to an S-DAC energy and cost model based on existing literature to calculate the levelized cost per tonne of CO2 captured and stored. Further, the model provides a reasonable approximation of the carbon intensity of the S-DAC-GT system. These calculations allow selecting and prioritizing regions appropriate for potential S-DAC-GT facilities operating at a scale of ∼1 Mt CO2 captured and stored per year.This paper presents a novel approach that addresses several gaps in current DAC techno-economic analyses found in literature. First, the model is highly customizable, allowing the user to apply their own proprietary sorbent properties and region specific parameters to determine precise costs and carbon emissions for their hypothetical S-DAC-GT facility. Second, the overwhelming majority of DAC techno-economic analyses in literature assume away variability of ambient conditions, presuming stable temperature and humidity during operations. This paper directly integrates these large local ambient effects on sorbent performance and evaluates S-DAC-GT costs and carbon emissions based on specific and variable conditions dictated by the user. Third, the flexibility of the model allows the user to rapidly compare S-DAC-GT costs and carbon emissions in different user selected regions, with custom sorbent characteristics. The model provides visualizations of the sensitivity of S-DAC-GT costs and carbon emissions to different parameters and provides visualizations of the cost and carbon emissions due to variability in ambient conditions.Existing techno-economic analyses are either region agnostic or constrain their results to a specific region. The novelty of this paper and its model is the deeper technical and economic analysis of using geothermal energy as the thermal resource, coupled with customizability and visualizations that enable accelerated differentiation of S-DAC-GT costs and carbon intensity by region.

A multi-commodity partial equilibrium model of imperfect competition in future global hydrogen markets

Techno-economic studies are investigating procurement costs of hydrogen and related derivatives across various international trade routes. However, the strategic behavior of exporters is rarely considered in this context, despite similar behavior frequently observed in the fossil fuel world and market characteristics indicating some potential. This work introduces a novel techno-economic model of oligopolistic trade tailored around the value chain of potential future global hydrogen markets. It is formulated as a mixed complementarity problem with a convex reformulation, allowing to solve both competitive and oligopolistic equilibria much beyond the capabilities of traditional complementarity models. Illustrative results show that assuming perfectly competitive price formation in early phases of future global hydrogen markets may lead to overly optimistic hydrogen price projections. This is especially the case within Europe, Japan, and South Korea. In contrast, strategically withholding quantities in export may decrease prices for some domestic markets.

The potential role of concentrated solar power for off-grid green hydrogen and ammonia production

This paper investigates the potential role of concentrated solar power (CSP) in off-grid green electrolytic hydrogen and ammonia production using an open-source techno-economic assessment optimisation model. The green ammonia plant comprises a flexible Haber-Bosch loop, an electrolyser park, a desalination plant, storage systems (thermal, electrical, and hydrogen), and a power supply optionally including wind power, solar photovoltaic (PV), and CSP (solar tower or parabolic trough collectors). Various system configurations and cost assumptions are tested to evaluate when CSP technologies are economically viable for green fuel production. Results demonstrate that CSP and thermal energy storage (TES) technologies can play a minor but useful role in providing nighttime power supply to the ammonia plant, in combination with onshore wind power and electrical storage. Solar PV with 1-axis tracking remains the primary power provider, and the optimal system always includes large-scale hydrogen storage. In the cheapest configuration, the LCOA reaches 646 €/tNH3. With an 80% reduction in CSP and TES costs, CSP technology becomes a major player in power production. In scenarios where hydrogen storage is not feasible and the ammonia plant lacks full flexibility, a 20% cost reduction (to 2750 €/kW) is enough for them to become major power providers.

Sizing of photovoltaic systems for self-consumption without surpluses through on-site measurements: Case study of the Dominican Republic

The photovoltaic systems with surpluses have contributed significantly to distributed generation in the last decade, however, its growth is affected by new regulations in several countries. With the aim of promoting self-consumption, this research evaluates the profitability of self-consumption without surpluses, considering self-consumption without an anti-dump system. The sizing methodology includes the use of geographic information systems tools, on-site measurements with an electrical network analyzer and irradiance meter, contributing with real data of the solar resource. A techno-economic model is applied to a case study in the residential sector of the Dominican Republic, with an average demand of 394 kWh/month, from which results are inferred for other levels of consumption. The results show that self-consumption without anti-dump is profitable, with payback time (PBT) of 4.57 years, internal rate of return (IRR) of 23.4 % and self-sufficiency rate (SSR) of 5.0 %. The deployment of this type of self-consumption is not viable for customers with consumption <252 kWh/month. In the case study with the anti-dump system the investment is profitable, with PBT of 4.84 years, IRR of 21.7 % and SSR of 20.8 %. These results indicate the profitability conditions for two types of self-consumption without surpluses, presenting an alternative to self-consumption with surpluses.

Techno-economic analysis of the direct solar conversion of carbon dioxide into renewable fuels

Direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) using sunlight into commercially viable renewable fuels will be one key solution for decarbonization and storing renewable solar energy. However, the direct conversion of CO2 using sunlight faces uphill challenges, especially the techno-economic viability (TEV), as the produced fuels must compete with fossil fuels or at least with fossil fuel alternatives, which are cheap. This work proposes an innovative structure design for photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2 into renewable fuels and performs a detailed techno-economic analysis (TEA) using a generalized gross margin (GM) model. The proposed structure uses low-cost and earth-abundant crystalline silicon-based photoanode with triangle nano-strips on a thin-film substrate to efficiently convert solar energy into renewable fuels. The proposed structure shows 20.01% of power-conversion efficiency (ηPEC). The techno-economic GM model considers all relevant cost parameters to assess the TEV of the produced hydrogen (H2) and hydrocarbon (C1–C3) fuels from CO2 reduction processes. The TEV of the produced renewable fuels is analyzed and presented against critical device parameters, such as the photocurrent density (J), catalyst’s durability (tdur), Faradaic efficiency (FE), and catalyst cost (Ccat). We also analyzed how sensitively the TEV of the produced fuels depends on the uncertainty of different cost parameters assuming base-, worst-, and optimistic-case scenarios. We find that carbon monoxide (CO) and formic acid (HCOOH) fuels will be commercially viable in the base case, while H2 and propanol (C3H7OH) will be only in the optimistic case.

Levelized cost of long-distance large-scale transportation of hydrogen in China

Hydrogen plays a crucial role in supporting the transition to clean energy systems, and effective hydrogen transportation technologies are essential for the development of the hydrogen economy. However, long-distance, large-scale hydrogen transportation costs in China, particularly for liquid hydrogen trucks (LH2 tank trucks) and gaseous hydrogen pipelines (GH2 pipelines), remain unknown. Using the latest data from the ongoing hydrogen project in China and a techno-economic model, this study estimates the delivery costs of hydrogen over long distances for LH2 tank trucks and GH2 pipelines, and compares them with those of GH2 trucks. Specifically, we analyze the levelized cost of hydrogen transportation (LCOT) for these different technologies at varying distances and conduct sensitivity analyses on how these LCOT would change with factors such as vehicle travel speed, electricity prices, and pipeline capacity. Results show that for short distances (<150 km), GH2 trucks are most cost-effective, with costs around 28.96–34.26 CNY/ton-km. For long distances (>200 km), GH2 pipelines and LH2 tank trucks are more suitable, with pipelines being more cost-effective at higher capacity utilization rates. Lower electricity prices further reduce the LCOT for LH2 tank trucks. Policy recommendations on promoting the development and application of hydrogen transportation technologies are also provided.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Combined Production of Wind Energy and Green Hydrogen on the Northern Coast of Mauritania

Green hydrogen is becoming increasingly popular, with academics, institutions, and governments concentrating on its development, efficiency improvement, and cost reduction. The objective of the Ministry of Petroleum, Mines, and Energy is to achieve a 35% proportion of renewable energy in the overall energy composition by the year 2030, followed by a 50% commitment by 2050. This goal will be achieved through the implementation of feed-in tariffs and the integration of independent power generators. The present study focused on the economic feasibility of green hydrogen and its production process utilizing renewable energy resources on the northern coast of Mauritania. The current investigation also explored the wind potential along the northern coast of Mauritania, spanning over 600 km between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Wind data from masts, Lidar stations, and satellites at 10 and 80 m heights from 2022 to 2023 were used to assess wind characteristics and evaluate five turbine types for local conditions. A comprehensive techno-economic analysis was carried out at five specific sites, encompassing the measures of levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and levelized cost of green hydrogen (LCOGH), as well as sensitivity analysis and economic performance indicators. The results showed an annual average wind speed of 7.6 m/s in Nouakchott to 9.8 m/s in Nouadhibou at 80 m. The GOLDWIND 3.0 MW model showed the highest capacity factor of 50.81% due to its low cut-in speed of 2.5 m/s and its rated wind speed of 10.5 to 11 m/s. The NORDEX 4 MW model forecasted an annual production of 21.97 GWh in Nouadhibou and 19.23 GWh in Boulanoir, with the LCOE ranging from USD 5.69 to 6.51 cents/kWh, below the local electricity tariff, and an LCOGH of USD 1.85 to 2.11 US/kg H2. Multiple economic indicators confirmed the feasibility of wind energy and green hydrogen projects in assessed sites. These results boosted the confidence of the techno-economic model, highlighting the resilience of future investments in these sustainable energy infrastructures. Mauritania’s north coast has potential for wind energy, aiding green hydrogen production for energy goals.

Preliminary Assessment of Environmentally Friendly Mining Options Based on Various Mineral Resources—A Case Study of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in Pacific

Deep-sea polymetallic nodules are associated with rich rare substances, such as rare-earth elements (REEs), Mo, Ti, Te, Li, which are currently in demand and are used in various applications. Deep-sea sediments near nodules are another important source of REEs, which will increase the resource potential of polymetallic nodules. Given the similarity of the mining technologies for deep-sea REEs and polymetallic nodules, this study proposed environmentally friendly mining options and developed a technoeconomic evaluation model by combining deep-sea polymetallic nodules and REEs. Using the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone as an example, this study revealed that the development of polymetallic nodules together with REEs of nearby sediments in the form of by-products will improve the economic and environmental benefits. In addition, the effects of discount rate, cost, and price on the economic benefits of nodule mining were discussed, and a technical development direction was proposed based on scientific and technological needs.

Evaluating the potential of green hydrogen, ammonia and urea in Lao PDR energy transitions.

Abstract We report the results of a systematic evaluation of the redeployment of surplus hydropower electricity to produce green hydrogen (H2), ammonia (NH3) and urea (CH4N2O) in Lao PDR. Participatory system mapping (PSM) workshops convened across multiple Lao PDR ministries revealed both direct and indirect opportunities and risks as probable consequences of green H2, NH3 and urea production. Participants debated and prioritized green urea fertilizer to replace “grey” imports; coal co-firing; and fuel cells as the products that contribute to the opportunities and manage the risks identified by the PSM process. Techno-economic modelling indicates the levelized cost of urea (US$467/tonne) is competitive with Thai imports, associated with opportunities for trading carbon offsets. Carbon credits were not sufficient to offset the additional co-firing costs of coal generation, and fuel cells are a likely future enterprise. A targeted capacity building and training program was a central pillar of a systems-based dissemination strategy to develop necessary technical and planning skills and community and awareness raising. The collated research results represent an integrated foundation to draft the Lao PDR National green H2 and NH3 road map and action plan, and a cross-sectoral revision of energy transition development plans.

Techno-economic assessment of swine manure biochar production in large-scale piggeries in China

Biochar production using swine manure (SM) from large-scale piggeries is increasingly needed. However, little is known about the economic feasibility for SM biochar production. Herein, SM biochar production was simulated via Aspen Plus, and techno-economic model was applied to calculate the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and discounted payback period (DPP) for SM biochar production with a processing capacity of 8000 tons SM per year. Results suggest that this project is susceptible to biochar selling price and operation cost. When the biochar price is > 116 USD/ton, the NPV is positive. When the biochar selling price is increased from 154 to 193 USD/ton, the IRR is increased from 11 % to 41 %. The DPP analyses show that the investment payback period for this project is 4.6 years. Moreover, compared to conventional SM treatment routes, valorization of SM into biochar in large-scale piggery in China has a shorter investment period. Finally, this study suggests that swine manure biochar production in large-scale piggeries in China is profitable, deserving investment.

Integration Assessment of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and Hydrogen Technologies in Fish Farms: A Techno-Economical Model Dispatch for an Estonian Fish Farm

A fundamental aspect of fish farms is their energy consumption, which is essential for various activities like water supply, pool aeration, thermal conditioning, lighting, filtration, and recirculation systems. Due to volatile prices and rising energy use, costs have surged, requiring energy-optimization solutions for economic viability and pollution reduction. In this context, this study aims to evaluate renewable energy integration in these installations based on real data, assessing current operations, proposing renewable energy optimization, and exploring hydrogen systems for energy needs, using HOMER PRO® to analyze different scenarios. For this purpose, it targets a rainbow trout farm in Estonia, and by simulating the various hybrid configurations proposed, it aims to optimize its energy production and storage, ensuring feasibility and technical integration. The results of the simulations primarily demonstrate the potential for using the byproduct of electrolysis to cover the oxygen demand in these types of processes, reducing the demand for raw materials. Additionally, it is observed that storage enhances performance in isolated systems; however, the economically viable integration of hydrogen technology requires three assumptions: a regulatory framework allowing surplus energy sales to the grid, an existing infrastructure for hydrogen trading, and high energy purchase prices.

On the Performance Limits of Agrivoltaics—From Thermodynamic to Geo‐Meteorological Considerations

As the world strives toward its net‐zero targets, innovative solutions are required to reduce carbon emissions across all industrial sectors. One approach that can reduce emissions from food production is agrivoltaics—photovoltaic devices that enable the dual‐use of land for both agricultural and electrical power‐generating purposes. Optimizing agrivoltaics presents a complex systems‐level challenge requiring a balance between maximizing crop yields and on‐site power generation. This balance necessitates careful consideration of optics (light absorption, reflection, and transmission), thermodynamics, and the efficiency at which light is converted into electricity. Herein, real‐world solar insolation and temperature data are used in combination with a comprehensive device‐level model to determine the annual power generation of agrivoltaics based on different photovoltaic material choices. It is found that organic semiconductor‐based photovoltaics integrated as semitransparent elements of protected cropping environments (advanced greenhouses) have comparable performance to state‐of‐the‐art, inorganic semiconductor‐based photovoltaics like silicon. The results provide a solid technical basis for building full, systems‐level, technoeconomic models that account for crop and location requirements, starting from the undeniable standpoint of thermodynamics and electro‐optical physics.

The technological prospects of repurposing methane steam reformers into ammonia crackers for decarbonized H2 production

The decarbonization of hydrogen production can be accelerated by repurposing existing methane steam reformers into ammonia crackers. Through kinetic modeling, reactor optimization, and process integration, we demonstrated the viability of repurposing industrial reformers into NH3 crackers using a Co-Ba-Ce extrudate catalyst. First, we combined an improved kinetic rate expression, validated through experiments, with a high-fidelity 2-D model to optimize the operation of a multi-tubular reactor with a fixed capacity of 7000 Nm3 h−1. Subsequently, we used heat integration techniques to integrate the reactor with supplementary and separation units. We proved the process energy efficiency to be 65.7% before heat integration and 75.3% for the integrated plant. The integrated, optimized plant results demonstrated the necessity of implementing an adiabatic pre-cracker, an element typically omitted in catalytic NH3 decomposition techno-economic models. Our findings underscore the importance of real-world constraints and operational aspects in designing and optimizing NH3 conversion processes.

Realizing of Earth-Abundant, Mn-Rich Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The development of sustainable materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIB) is of critical importance, especially considering the significant, ever-growing demand for energy storage technologies. Lithium- and manganese-rich (LMR) oxides are of great interests because of their inherently high capacities/energies and the potential economic benefits associated with earth-abundant manganese-based compositions. However, despite their attractive properties, LMR commercialization has been hindered by several challenges.In this presentation we will explore these challenges across length-scales, spanning from the atomic to the cell level, and consider the correlated effects observable in electrochemical cells. Detailed synthesis studies will be presented concerning morphological control of LMR cathode precursors; complex local structure will be discussed and linked to properties that are unique to this class of cathodes; and finally, techno-economic modeling will be used to evaluate the potential of an LMR system – developed at Argonne National Laboratory – for practical implementation in large-format EV cells.The work presented herein represents research and development efforts led by Argonne National Laboratory within the Vehicle Technologies Office, Earth-abundant Cathode Active Materials (EaCAM) consortium. This effort endeavors to bridge the knowledge gap across various length-scales, from atomic-level intricacies to broader cell-level implications, to innovate, and enhance the sustainability of energy storage technologies.