AMG Lithium recently launched Europe’s first lithium refinery in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany, at a cost of 140 million euro and completed in just over two years. The refinery is expected to produce 20,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually, enough to power 500,000 electric vehicles per year. Most of the lithium raw material will come from Brazil and will be converted into battery-compatible lithium hydroxide at the plant.
Lithium is a crucial element in the production of electric vehicle batteries, and the demand for it has been growing due to the shift towards green energy globally. In response to this demand, the EU introduced a Critical Raw Materials Action Plan in 2020 to decrease Europe’s reliance on external sources of supply. Currently, most hybrid and electric vehicles utilize lithium-ion batteries, making lithium a highly sought-after material.
Managing Director of AMG Lithium, Stefan Scherer, emphasized the unbeatable performance and range of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. In the future, the refinery aims to process lithium extracted from European mines, including those in Portugal and the Ore Mountains. This development aligns with the EU’s efforts to enhance its lithium supply chain and reduce its dependency on external sources.
Overall, the opening of Europe’s first lithium refinery marks a significant milestone in the continent’s efforts to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and green energy, while also boosting the local production of critical raw materials.
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