Lithium battery management

SLB places a high priority on protecting human health and the environment, as well as ensuring operational safety. We have a lithium battery management process in place to protect SLB staff, property, and the environment from the risks associated with lithium batteries used in SLB operations, products, and services. Our lithium battery management program also helps to ensure regulatory compliance and help minimize business disruptions caused by lithium battery-related accidents. The lithium battery standard covers the entire life cycle of a lithium battery, from manufacturing process, sourcing by field locations, distribution, to usage and secure handling, shipping, and storage, to disposal. We have a subject matter authority (SMA) to monitor corporate compliance and global governance for lithium batteries. Additionally, to comply with any local regulations lithium battery Country Regulatory Orientation Guides (CROGs) are in place and supported by the country and local teams.

Note that over the last decade, SLB recycled about 1,305 net metric tons, which includes 49 tons shipped for recycling in 2023, equivalent to 170 ocean containers. Those batteries have been successfully recycled at approved lithium battery recycling facilities with the most suitable recycling technology. During the last decade, SLB has directly invested over USD 25 million on a global scale to the safety and environmentally sound management of lithium metal batteries. SLB will continue its commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental management when it comes to industrial lithium batteries.

Liquid cathode lithium metal batteries are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to power sensors in remote downhole applications. SLB has been manufacturing industrial lithium batteries for more than two decades. SLB has active projects to replace liquid cathode lithium metal batteries with rechargeable batteries ongoing through 2024, this will be over a variety of battery packs using the same chemistry.

There is an active battery reduction program in place, encouraging locations to run battery-free where possible, avoid unnecessary battery waste, and maximize battery usage to help reduce HSE risks and associated costs of storage and disposal.