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Altilium begins construction on large-scale battery-recycling plant
In a notable advancement in the UK’s green energy sector, Altilium Metals Ltd. has embarked on the construction of the nation’s first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling facility. This groundbreaking initiative, located in Plymouth, Devon, represents a significant leap toward achieving sustainability in battery materials and bolstering the UK’s domestic supply chain.
Building a Sustainable Future: Altilium’s Groundbreaking Facility
Altilium Metals Ltd., based in Plymouth, UK, has kicked off construction on the first large-scale electric vehicle battery recycling facility in the country, highlighting an ambitious step towards sustainable battery material production. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to not only recycle battery components but also refine them into essential chemical derivatives vital for domestic battery manufacturing.
A Leap into the Circular Economy
The newly announced facility, named the ACT 3 scale-up plant, positions the UK at the forefront of sustainable battery material production. According to Altilium, the facility will have the capacity to recover critical battery minerals from up to 24,000 electric vehicles annually. Utilizing their proprietary EcoCathode process, the plant is set to convert battery waste into Nickel Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) and Lithium Sulfate, both of which are crucial for the production of battery cathodes.
Goals and Implications
The significance of this project transcends mere recycling; it underscores a broader commitment to create a robust circular economy for EV batteries within the UK. This move not only reinforces energy independence and bolsters economic growth, but it also aligns with the UK’s ambitions to transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
As domestic demand for EV batteries surges, it is projected that by 2030, the UK will require nearly 40% of the global supply of lithium and 30% of graphite to meet its production needs, according to research from the U.K. Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC).
Engineering Excellence and Future Growth
Construction has commenced on the four-acre site, with engineering design services provided by Hatch, a renowned global consultancy. The facility aims to provide critical insights into process optimization and scalability, laying the groundwork for the much larger ACT 4 mega-scale refinery anticipated later in the decade.
Dr. Christian Marston, Altilium’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Our ACT 3 site marks a pivotal step in closing the loop on battery materials in Britain. We are committed to ensuring that value remains in the UK while creating long-term, skilled green jobs.”
Innovating Beyond Shredding
While conventional battery recycling methods have focused primarily on shredding batteries and producing black mass, Altilium’s approach represents a paradigm shift. Their hydrometallurgical refining techniques aim to retain valuable materials such as lithium and nickel within the UK, promoting local job creation and ensuring a resilient supply of battery-grade materials crucial for the burgeoning electric vehicle and gigafactory sectors.
A Systematic Approach to Scaling Up
Altilium’s strategic growth plan details a structured pathway culminating in one of Europe’s most extensive planned recycling facilities, broken down into several key phases:
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ACT 1: Establishing the Technology Centre in Devon, the hub of innovation for developing the EcoCathode process.
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ACT 2: Launching a pilot line capable of processing one EV battery daily, thereby validating the procedure and materials in collaboration with automotive OEMs.
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ACT 3: Current construction of the scale-up plant in Plymouth, aimed at producing intermediate battery materials.
- ACT 4: A future mega-scale refinery designed to supply essential battery metal salts and cathode materials directly to UK gigafactories.
Conclusion
Altilium’s initiative to construct the first large-scale EV battery recycling facility in the UK is a substantial step toward establishing a self-sufficient battery recycling ecosystem. By investing in innovative recycling techniques and materials refinement, Altilium is not only contributing to a more sustainable future for the UK but is also setting a benchmark for the global transition toward green energy. This forward-thinking project underscores the importance of localizing supply chains and highlights the critical role that advanced technologies will play in meeting the future demands of the electric vehicle market.