Loraine Torres-Castro is on a mission to ensure the technologies of today do not harm the climate of tomorrow. For Loraine, a future with sustainable and clean energy is possible but the possibility requires a “do no harm” mentality and inclusion of diverse perspectives, people and stories.

Loraine, Sandia’s battery safety team lead and a principal member of technical staff, has been at Sandia almost eight years. In that time, she has focused her research on the transition to renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions using batteries. But not just any batteries — safe, reliable and ecologically responsible batteries.

As researchers explore a future predominantly powered by renewable energy, battery safety and a clear understanding of how batteries could impact the environment are crucial pieces to the puzzle. “Issues like overheating, fire risks and the release of toxic chemicals when batteries are damaged or improperly disposed of could have significant implications to environmental and health risks,” Loraine said.

The carbon footprint of energy and transportation systems can be reduced by developing safe, sustainable and high-performance batteries.

“The evolution of battery design and recycling has decreased the ecological impact of energy storage, making clean power readily available and safe,” Loraine said.

Mission-driven research

Loraine and the battery safety team at Sandia research ways to reduce the environmental impact of batteries while also improving their safety and effectiveness. They use predictive models and safety innovations to expedite the adoption of electric vehicles and the integration of renewable energy into the grid, thereby reducing our nation’s carbon footprint and advancing climate security.

“We take a holistic approach to ensure that energy storage technologies do not harm the environment or human health. It includes the development and deployment of battery systems that are not only efficient, but also designed with the highest safety standards to prevent accidents, leaks and toxic exposures. Climate security entails managing the entire lifecycle of batteries, including manufacturing, recycling and disposal, to minimize their environmental impact and prevent further emissions that contribute to climate change,” Loraine said.

Along with ensuring battery lifecycle safety, Loraine and her team are working to guarantee they are capable of fulfilling clean energy power demands now and well into the future.

“Creating batteries that are intrinsically safe for humans and the planet, capable of powering everything from houses to electric vehicles without contributing to global warming, is a fascinating intersection of environmental responsibility and technological advancement,” Loraine said.

People-focused mindset

Loraine’s purpose-driven technical research is not only about sustainable impacts and safer, eco-friendly batteries. She is also focused on the need to include diverse people and socioeconomic perspectives in discussions and avidly promotes the need for education about climate-related issues.

“It is about making sure that advances in battery technology are available to everyone, especially to overburdened and underserved communities. This means focusing on research and development that improves battery safety and efficiency, as well as addressing social and economic barriers to using these technologies,” Loraine said. “In addition, using environmental justice principles means carefully checking how batteries are made and thrown away to reduce harm to the environment and make sure that no community is unfairly affected by the risks involved in making and recycling batteries.”

Loraine aims to engage diverse communities and facilitate open conversation on battery safety and its connection to climate change. “Including people from different backgrounds in making decisions and finding solutions will enable us to hear different ideas and perspectives to aid in the fight against climate change,” she said.

More than just a challenge

Loraine is thrilled to continue her work at the intersection of battery safety and climate change and grateful to work with diverse teams of researchers at Sandia.

“Sandia brings a rigorous, systems-based approach to tackling the challenges of climate change. The Labs’ approach combines scientific innovation and policy analysis to turn complex scientific findings into actionable climate solutions. Sandia contributes to our understanding of climate dynamics and helps develop technologies and strategies that protect the environment, promote energy security and ensure a sustainable future,” Loraine said.

Members of future generations can choose from a wide variety of careers to have an impact on climate change, from batteries and beyond.

“This work requires creativity, passion and resilience because it involves solving complex problems that involve science, technology, society and the economy. But the rewards are great. You get to be at the forefront of defining and delivering a sustainable future, protecting ecosystems, lifting communities and making a positive impact on a global scale. If you want to make a difference, try new things and grow in ways you never thought possible, then you should join the fight against climate change,” Loraine said.

“Climate change is more than just a challenge. It’s the chance to make a future that is sustainable, safe and fair for all life on Earth. By joining this effort, you’re not just doing a job. You’re also on a mission to come up with new ideas to keep our planet safe for future generations.”