The Ukraine War has accelerated research into lithium-ion battery alternatives, including ones made of sand

• The war in Ukraine has spurred more research into clean energy, including lithium-ion alternatives.
• Producing these batteries often involves child labor and can cause environmental harm.
• Polar Night Energy says batteries made of sand could be as effective without the same risks.

Russia's war in Ukraine has had a peculiar but positive result: A newly invigorated push across Europe to rely less on Russia's crude oil and to hit its renewable energy goals.