UK-based battery cell manufacturer AMTE Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with infrastructure specialist InfraNomics Sept. 15, in a bid to build lithium batteries in Western Australia for the growing storage sector.
The MOU will evaluate the technical and commercial viability of lithium ion cell manufacturing in the country, where low-carbon renewable energy sectors solar and wind are growing at pace. The battery storage technology can store the energy, and keep it off of the main grid. This will help prevent spikes in energy supply.
AMTE's statement to the market said that solar prices have fallen by around 90%, batteries by 87% and wind by 67% over the past 10 years, making the increased adoption of renewable energy and associated batteries increasingly attractive.
"Although the project is 100 percent industry-financed, the Western Australian State and the Australian Federal Governments have been very supportive of this emerging sector, and have clear strategies to develop domestic battery manufacturing, and drive the country's growth and economic recovery plans," it said.
Global governments are increasingly supporting the renewable sector as the world aims to target a sustainable net-zero emissions future.
The UK government needs to accelerate the delivery of electric vehicle charging points and invest in a UK-based battery gigafactory in order for the country to meet its net-zero ambitions, according to the Confederation of British Industry Sept. 14.
Speaking at the CBI's first virtual Net-Zero Conference, Director-General Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said the UK must become a global leader in climate action to create new green jobs and lift productivity post-pandemic.
Launching the CBI's Green Recovery Roadmap, Fairbairn said, "action speaks a thousand times louder than words", calling on the government to take ambitious steps nationally and use the rest of the year to reignite global efforts to achieve net-zero by 2050.
Regarding the MOU Sept. 15, both parties have now agreed heads of terms to produce and sell lithium-ion batteries, for industrial applications focused on energy storage, along with domestic and export distribution facilities.
Cameron Edwards, Director and Founder of InfraNomics said: "The battery facility would deliver a sustainable and ethical alternative supply chain for domestic and international customers. We're positioning the company within the international battery supply chain, via the establishment of an advanced manufacturing facility in Lithium Valley. We will create a minimum of 250 direct jobs, value add to the emerging local critical raw materials industry, develop a new manufacturing export market for Australia, and support the growth of AMTE Power throughout Europe."
