Project duration: 1 January 2019 – 30 December 2022
Objective
A number of global political, environmental and technological trends are driving the demand towards a rapid increase in Lithium-ion batteries, turning it to a strategically important domain for both industry and society. The increase in demand puts pressure on raw material supply and processing. Critical elements for which global supply shortage may occur include Cobalt, and Lithium. According to the European Commission Report “Lithium-ion battery value chain and related opportunities for Europe”, the EU industry has some production base in all segments of the battery value chain, but it is far from being self-sufficient. In the raw and processed materials, cell component and cell manufacturing value chain segments Europe hold a minor share of the market.
The solution (technology)
The proposed project shall validate the technological, economic, legal and social viability of a novel electrochemical process, using hydro-electric power, to directly convert spodumene concentrate into high purity lithium hydroxide. Spodumene concentrate will be sourced primarily from European producers, thereby fostering the development of a sustainable European value chain. This project’s plans also include setting up a European refinery which will become operational from 2023.
Partnership
- Northvolt, Sweden (Lead Partner)
- Aurora Lith SA, Sweden
- Aurora Lithium AB, Sweden
- ECM Lithium AT GmbH, Austria
- FLSmidth (UK) Ltd,
- FLSmidth A/S, Denmark
- FLSmidth Inc, USA
- FLSmidth Wiesbaden GmbH, Germany
- Keliber Oy, Finland
- Luleå University of Technology (LTU), Sweden
- Metso Outotec (Finland) Oy, Finland
- Metso Outotec Oyj, Finland
- Nemaska Lithium Innovation Inc, Canada
- Savannah Lithium Limitada, Portugal
- Savannah Resources, United Kingdom
- Woxna Graphite AB, Sweden