Battery cell manufacturer, AMTE Power, and infrastructure specialist InfraNomics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to evaluate the technical and commercial viability of establishing lithium-ion cell manufacturing facilities in Western Australia, servicing the energy storage market, particularly in mining as the industry looks to lower its carbon footprint, but also giving the Australian mining industry more options when it comes to future electrification of mobile mining fleets, both surface and underground.
The rollout of energy storage is part of the global solar and wind-led low-carbon energy transition, and Australia’s transition to renewable energy is continuing to pick up the pace. Solar prices have fallen by approximately 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.
The project is 100% industry financed and collaborates with the Lithium Valley industry organisation in Kwinana. 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.
AMTE Power is a well-established UK-based battery manufacturer, unique in its ability to provide innovation, commercialisation, and scalable supply across a wide range of markets – owning proprietary technology and a revolutionary cell pack design. InfraNomics is an infrastructure developer, advisor and investor based in Perth, Western Australia. Both parties have now agreed on heads of terms to produce and sell lithium-ion batteries, for industrial applications focused on energy storage, along with domestic and export distribution facilities.
Kevin Brundish, CEO at AMTE Power comments: “We are excited to partner with InfraNomics to explore establishing onshore, end-to-end battery manufacturing capabilities in Western Australia, to support the country’s unprecedented transition to renewable energy, and build on the value of its abundant mineral resources. AMTE Power has developed the technology and tools to significantly reduce the time to market for lithium-ion cells, and believe Lithium Valley in Western Australia is the perfect environment to develop this further.”
Cameron Edwards, Director and Founder of InfraNomics said that the location of the new facility in “Lithium Valley,” Kwinana, would benefit from direct access to local critical raw materials, technical sector expertise, low-cost energy, a well-trained workforce, and major local industries: “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.”
Cameron Edwards, Director at InfraNomics concludes: “Marrying AMTE’s manufacturing, IP portfolio, world-class expertise in battery research and experience with WA’s world-class resources, Australia’s premier industrial zone, local industrial expertise, low energy costs, well-trained workforce and major local industries, provides the opportunity for an international alternative supply chain which is competitive on price, quality, sustainability and reliability.”