The Northern Territory will soon be home to a new lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) battery cathode manufacturing facility at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.
Avenira and Taiwan’s ALEEES have signed a licence and technology transfer agreement to progress the facility, providing Avenira with the authority to manufacture LFP battery cathode material in Darwin.
The facility will be the first commercial-scale facility in Australia and will be designed to deliver 30,000 tonnes per annum of LFP powder, which can be used in electric vehicles and energy storage batteries.
“This (project) supports the entire Territory, from the Barkly to the Top End,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said. “Creating 500 construction jobs, followed by 300 jobs during operations and injecting the economy with $1.5 billion annually.”
The Territory Government has been facilitating the project over the last 12 months to support it through regulatory approvals, connection to offtake markets, and maximising benefits for local businesses.
“Avenira and ALEEES combined experience and expertise will put more ‘made in Australia’ components into electric vehicle and energy storage batteries,” ALEEES board member Jamie Lee said.
“The Australian battery supply chain is a key attractor to clients being able to implement their ESG priorities as part of an active contribution to addressing climate change.”
Avenira chairman Brett Clark said the two companies are confident in the project.
“Securing a technology partner of ALEEES’ calibre gives us great confidence as we continue to develop the LFP project at Middle Arm, Darwin together,” Clark said.
“The LFP plants will create many opportunities for Australia with increased technology skills, research and development, engineering and integration with global renewable supply chains.”