AMG Lithium, a leading producer of lithium products, has officially opened Europe’s first lithium refinery in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany. The state-of-the-art facility, which was completed in just over two years at a cost of 140 million euros, is set to play a crucial role in the production of electric vehicles. The plant is expected to produce 20,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually, enough to power 500,000 electric cars.
Lithium is a key component in the production of EV batteries, and with the global shift towards green energy, the demand for this element has been steadily rising. In response to this growing demand, the EU proposed a Critical Raw Materials Action Plan in 2020, aiming to reduce Europe’s dependency on external sources of supply.
Most of the lithium used in the plant will come from Brazil, but the facility also has plans to use lithium extracted from European mines in the future. Managing Director of AMG Lithium, Stefan Scherer, highlighted the importance of lithium-ion batteries in ensuring high performance and range for electric vehicles, stating that they are unbeatable in this aspect.
The opening of Europe’s first lithium refinery marks a significant step towards achieving sustainability in the automotive industry and reducing carbon emissions. As the production of electric vehicles continues to rise, facilities like this play a crucial role in meeting the demand for essential components like lithium.
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