Work in Process is a monthly video series that shares the biggest updates from the process industry across Europe and the US hosted by Cain van Heyningen. Cain is a Senior Consultant here at Coalesce Management Consulting, the process industry consultant that provides engineering and project management services on process investment projects globally. In this video, you will find the latest developments in the EV Battery Materials industry.
For our first story - Hydrovolt
The Norwegian firm Hydrovolt has announced its business expansion into France. This joint venture between Norsk Hydro and Northvolt intends to establish recycling facilities in Hordain, located in the "Battery Valley" of northern France.
The initial phase involves setting up a collection center for the discharge and dismantling of electric vehicle and industrial batteries. The site already features an appropriate facility that spans roughly 3,000 square meters. Pending final approvals, the operations are expected to commence in 2025. Northern France was selected due to its emergence as a significant hub in the battery value chain, having already attracted four substantial investments in battery gigafactories.
Leveraging Experience from Norway, Hydrovolt currently runs one of Europe's largest recycling plants for electric vehicle batteries in Fredrikstad, Norway. The expansion into France will leverage the valuable experience and ongoing recycling activities from their home country.
Second story - DEKRA
The German testing firm DEKRA has initiated the construction of a new battery testing center at the Lausitzring in Klettwitz. Starting from mid-2025, this facility will conduct extensive tests on battery systems for electric vehicles and high-voltage storage solutions for various applications.
The center will perform mechanical, performance, and environmental tests, as well as "abuse tests," where batteries are pushed far beyond their normal operating limits. These services will be available during the development phase, as well as for homologation, certification, quality assurance, and market monitoring. According to DEKRA, this will be one of the world's most advanced and comprehensive testing centers for the automotive industry. It will provide a wide range of services from a single source, meeting the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and performance for next-generation batteries.
Third story - Amplify Cell Technologies, Accelera, Daimler Trucks and PACCAR
“Amplify Cell Technologies” has begun the construction of its anticipated battery factory in Marshall County, Mississippi. This facility, a joint venture between Cummins' division “Accelera”, Daimler Truck, and PACCAR, is set to occupy a 500-hectare site. It aims to reach an annual production capacity of 21 gigawatt hours for (LFP) battery cells. Production is expected to commence in 2027, creating over 2,000 jobs in the USA.
The primary goal of the joint venture is to localize the battery supply chain within the United States. This initiative is intended to enhance the robustness and responsiveness to the demands of the expanding electric commercial vehicle market in North America. Accelera, Daimler Trucks, and PACCAR have collectively committed to an investment ranging between two to three billion US dollars. Each of the three companies holds a 30 percent stake in “Amplify Cell Technologies”. Technology partner “EVE Energy” is contributing its expertise in LFP battery cell production with a ten percent share in the venture.
South Korean battery manufacturer SK On has signed a non-binding letter of intent with ExxonMobil for the supply of lithium in the USA. This agreement aims to secure a stable supply of crucial battery minerals for SK On in the United States.
Enhanced Efficiency and Reduced Environmental Impact The letter of intent enables SK On to explore a multi-year agreement, potentially allowing the company to source up to 100,000 tonnes of lithium from an ExxonMobil project in Arkansas. ExxonMobil is producing lithium carbonate from the geological Smackover formation through a pilot project for direct lithium extraction. This method aims to achieve higher efficiency and a lower environmental impact compared to conventional hard rock mining.
Growing Production Capacity SK On currently operates two battery factories in Georgia. In collaboration with Ford and Hyundai, seven additional battery factories are either planned or under construction in the USA. SK On projects that its annual production capacity in the US will surpass 180 gigawatt hours after 2025.
These were the biggest updates from the process industry across Europe and the US. If you enjoyed our series on Work in Process, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and give the video a like, comment and share. If you have an advanced engineering project coming up, CMC provides engineering, construction and project management services to help you deliver your project ahead of schedule and under budget.
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