The Northern Territory’s first battery cathode manufacturing plant will be developed and operated in Darwin, after the Territory Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwanese company Aleees and the Perth-based Avenira.
The plant will manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathode material and is expected to eventually employ up to 1,000 people and generate more than US$4 billion in annual revenue, once scaled to full production.
Northern Territory Minister for Renewables and Energy, Selena Uibo, said investing in renewables would help the Territory meet its climate goals, while generating long-lasting employment opportunities.
“Our future is renewables – that’s why we continue to back and invest in projects like this lithium battery material manufacturing plant,” Ms Uibo said.
“We are making sure the Territory will have clean and efficient energy to help reach our renewables and net zero emission targets.
“This project will create local job opportunities, and strengthen the Territory’s reputation as a renewable energy destination.”
The MoU maps out how the Territory Government, Aleees and Avenira will work together to achieve Final Investment Decision on a pilot facility, with FID anticipated early in 2023.
Government will also work proactively with Aleees Group, Avenira and its supply chain partners to identify a suitable site in Darwin for the facility.
Avenira’s Executive Chairperson, Brett Clark, said his company was appreciative of the MoU and further guidance and support from the Territory Government.
“We are proud to reach this MoU alongside Aleees and the Northern Territory Government as we jointly work towards a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery cathode manufacturing facility,” Mr Clark said.
“This MoU opens the door for Avenira to learn from Aleees about LFP battery cathode manufacturing technology and leverage this experience to optimise the production of phosphoric acid from the Wonarah Project.
“The engagement of the Northern Territory Government in the MoU is appreciated and we look forward to their assistance and guidance.”
Once operational, the pilot facility will manufacture up to 10,000t of lithium-iron phosphate battery cathode material per year.
The MoU further supports the development of up to 200,000t per annum manufacturing facility built in phases in Darwin over the next ten years. The major facility will exclusively source phosphoric acid from the Wonarah Phosphate Project in the Barkly Region.
