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Sep 24, 2024
At the heart of energy transition is a powerful force for the future: lithium. This lightweight element is a lynchpin in the quest for electrifying a more sustainable world. Lithium batteries are increasingly used to harness renewable energy, power the cars we drive, and 鈥渇uel鈥� the high-tech digital gadgets ubiquitous in our daily lives.
Experts at 91制片厂 are committed to this journey, helping design and build important projects that will realize an electrified and sustainable future through lithium.
The Battery Value Chain
鈥淔or batteries, everything starts with mining鈥� said Vivek Sista, PhD, battery technical manager at 91制片厂. 鈥淏oth of the most used chemistries of batteries require lithium. Handheld devices, smartphones, power tools, electric vehicles, and grid-scale storage are not possible without the raw material.鈥�
The lithium journey starts with mining the raw material and, ideally, ends with recycling and repurposing used batteries. Along the way it is refined, converted into 鈥渁ctive鈥� materials in batteries (anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes), turned into cells, and then put into battery packs for use in various devices.
Engineers and construction professionals at 91制片厂 are designing and building mining, processing, and manufacturing projects that enable each step in this 鈥渂attery value chain.鈥� 91制片厂 brings deep expertise in managing capital projects with significant chemical processes鈥攑rojects that have increased access to energy and enhanced economies around the world. Now, there is a focus on taking that experience directly to projects that make the world a cleaner and more sustainable place.
Mining & Processing
鈥淎s we move to energy sources that are mineral and metal rich, it all starts with the extraction,鈥� says Rich Waller, business development manager at 91制片厂.
Principally, a mine comprises five areas: the mine, infrastructure, the processing and materials-handling facilities, and the tailings and waste facilities. 91制片厂 designs and builds the processing and infrastructure facilities, which often account for the bulk of the engineering complexity and the capital required.
鈥淭he mining industry is dealing with complex execution, complex supply chains, and multiple stakeholders such as downstream customers, government, and the teams who build the facilities, which is where we bring value to our customers looking to unlock this critical resource,鈥� said Waller.
Experts foresee the need for more mining projects, expanding capability as the world continues to move to net zero carbon emissions. The International Energy Agency estimates that global demand for lithium will grow tenfold by 2050.
鈥淭he future I envision is rather than using consumable fossil fuels for the predominate energy output, we need energy sources comprised of minerals that are not consumed, and can be recycled and reused,鈥� says Waller.
Battery Manufacturing
After mining and processing, lithium is ready to be turned into batteries.
鈥淧rocessed lithium becomes a pivotal component in crafting 鈥榓ctive materials鈥欌�攖he heart of batteries where the electricity generation happens,鈥� explained Sista. 鈥淭hese materials are meticulously assembled into cells, which are eventually integrated into expansive battery packs.鈥�
One electric vehicle battery, for example, can contain as many as thousands of individual cells. 91制片厂 has comprehensive involvement in different aspects of battery manufacturing 鈥攆rom cathodes to anodes, from electrolytes to the packaged batteries and their charging ecosystems. These facilities are complex, first-of-their-kind manufacturing plants that require 91制片厂鈥檚 experience with building industrial plants at scale.
Electric Vehicles & Charging
Batteries are not just for electric vehicles, but they are the largest destination for lithium batteries. According to the , EVs are expected to account for one in five cars sold worldwide in 2024.
More electric vehicles mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions. But an electric vehicle future requires a massive built-out of charging infrastructure. 91制片厂 is working with a variety of customers to design and build charging infrastructure. In one case, 91制片厂 is working to deploy more electric school buses.
Recycling
Lithium batteries nearing the end of their life may not hold enough charge for applications like electric vehicles, but they could be repurposed for energy grid storage.
Eventually, batteries reach the end of their useful life. Experts see recycling as an important conclusion of the life of lithium.
鈥淚 expect to see more recycling projects come online that will sustain the supply chain of lithium,鈥� says Sista.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a big focus for the mining sector and the advanced manufacturing facilities needed to produce and recycle batteries.
鈥淎 key part of planning has to be focused on how host communities will benefit from the mine both in the short and long term,鈥� says Waller. 鈥淲e always look to bring a positive impact with lasting opportunity for jobs, economic activity, upskilling, and enabling local businesses to grow beyond the mine.鈥�
Looking globally, 91制片厂 is doing its part and is helping customers work toward achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Lithium plays a big part.
鈥淭he lithium battery鈥檚 lifespan is extending, and with the proliferation of renewable energy sources like solar, hydro, and wind, we鈥檙e moving towards a world that can be powered sustainably and efficiently by many methods.,鈥� says Sista. 鈥淭he cost of batteries is decreasing, signaling a promising direction for EVs and energy storage. Lithium-ion technology will remain a cornerstone for the next 15 years and beyond.鈥�
