In this issue: US eyes rare earth production from coal, Tesla approaches BHP nickel deal, Toyota partners on fuel cell truck for North America, NY state introduces ICE vehicle ban proposal, and more.
US government awards $1.95m to 13 coal-to-rare earth projects
The US Department of Energy has awarded a collective $1.95 million to 13 projects aiming to extract rare earth elements from coal, Power Materials learns from a government release.
The projects must produce 1-3 tonnes per day or rare earth oxides or rare earth salts, alongside other critical minerals - or 75% CM or REE by weight.
“A secure, reliable, and sustainable domestic supply of CMs and REEs is essential to the continued health of the nation’s energy and electronics industries and is an important contributor to national security,” the department said.
The recipients are: Battelle Memorial Institute, BioCarbon Technologies, Concurrent Technologies, Energy Fuels, Materia USA, MP Mine Operations, Tetra Tech (two projects in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), Texas Mineral Resources, University of North Dakota, Upshots, West Virginia University Research Corporation, and Winner Water Services.
Defense Metals appoints Lockheed engineer as strategic advisor
Vancouver-based Defense Metals has appointed Lockheed Martin systems engineer Andrew Leland to the position of strategic advisor, Power Materials learns from a company statement. "There has never been a more pressing time than now for the United States of America and its allies to secure rare earth elements from safe, reliable and friendly countries,” Leland said in the statement.
"Mr. Leland brings a wealth of experience and strategic know-how, through his experience with Lockheed Martin and several other major US defense contractors,” said CEO Craig Taylor. “These relationships will be instrumental in helping Defense Metals find partnerships, secure potential offtake agreements, and other business opportunities. He is very familiar with working with high-level government and military personnel as well as corporate and technology executives which will provide an enormous advantage for Defense Metals moving forward. We are excited to work with Andrew and know he will add tremendous value to our team."
AMTE seeks quantum edge in lithium battery manufacturing
British firm AMTE Power is leading a coalition of industry and academic partners to apply quantum technology to lithium-ion battery manufacturing, according to an e-mailed release.
AMTE’s three-year, £5.4 million project unites nine partners to explore “inefficiencies and challenges” in lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
These challenges can best be addressed, the coalition believes, with quantum engineering - or the engineering based on quantum-scale measurements and manufacturing techniques.
“Quantum technology enables highly sensitive measurements of magnetic fields to improve quality yields, and effectively grade new batteries – reducing the time taken for the ageing process from weeks to days,” AMTE said. “This sophisticated system will be integrated into AMTE's pouch cell assembly, with test processes trialled on their range of cells, which are currently being scaled-up and commercialised for the niche automotive market.”
The company’s so-called Project Quantum aims to eventually open the UK’s first gigafactory. It’s UK-Battery Industrialisation Centre research facility is slated to open shortly.
“Making the battery production process both more efficient and greener is a crucial step towards the UK meeting its zero carbon climate objectives, especially as approximately 50% of vehicle production will be wholly, or partially, electric by 2030,” says CEO Kevin Brundish. “The collaborative Project Quantum firmly cements the country’s exceptional talent and capabilities within the research and development of pioneering cell technology, helping the UK to become more competitive on the international stage.”
E3, Livent accelerate lithium brine extraction agreement
Calgary’s E3 Metals has reached a new stage in its direct lithium extraction development plan with Livent Corporation, Power Materials reports.
The companies’ updated agreement stipulates that stage one be completed as soon as possible, which will culminate in a pilot plant.
"The first phase of the joint development project is an essential step in initiating a robust and economically viable process for commercializing lithium production from Alberta brines," said E3 CEO Chris Doornbos. "The positive results so far are a function of joint technical expertise. E3 Metals is committed to demonstrating our proprietary process by constructing and operating a pilot plant."
Tesla pursuing nickel supply agreement with BHP: Bloomberg
Tesla is reportedly seeking a nickel supply deal with Australian miner BHP Group, Power Materials learns from Bloomberg News.
Neither company formally commented to Bloomberg for the article. Bloomberg cites anonymous sources familiar with the situation.
Pricing for the final deal is stalling talks, Bloomberg said.
In the company’s second quarter earnings conference call, CEO Elon Musk issued a clarion call for more nickel. The call promised “giant” contracts for sustainably produced nickel.
"Well, I'd just like to re-emphasize, any mining companies out there, please mine more nickel. Okay. Wherever you are in the world, please mine more nickel and don't wait for nickel to go back to some long -- some high point that you experienced some five years ago or whatever, go for efficiency,” Musk said.
Battery metals market to hit $20.5 billion by 2027
The global battery metals industry will nearly double in value from 2019 to 2027, according to a research not by Allied Market Research.
The battery metals market - encompassing lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other associated metals - was worth $11.3 billion in 2019, Allied Market Research said in the note.
By 2027, that figure is expected to hit $20.5 billion, a CAGR of 8.2% from 2020-2027.
“Increase in demand for smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices, rise in call for electrical vehicles/hybrid electric vehicles/plug-in hybrid vehicles (EV/HEV/PHV), and rapid development in the renewable energy sector drive the growth of the global battery metals market,” according to the note. “On the other hand, risk of supply security curbs the growth to some extent. However, rise in investment on electrification of remote & rural area and higher energy efficiency requirements in technologically updated consumer gadgets are anticipated to pave the way for numerous opportunities for the key players in the industry.”
Allied identifies several companies as frontrunners in the industry, including Albemarle, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Vale, China Molybdenum, Glencore, SQM, Gan Feng Lithium, Umicore, and Tianqi Lithium.
Toyota, Hino to develop fuel cell semi for North American market
Toyota and Hino Truck plan to develop a Class 8 fuel cell truck for the North American market, Power Materials gleans from a Toyota release.
The truck will marry the Hino XL Series chassis with Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cells. The partnership between Toyota and Hino previously produced a 25-ton fuel cell truck for the Japanese market.
A demonstration vehicle will be unveiled in the first half of next year.
“A fuel cell powered version of the Hino XL Series is a win-win for both customers and the community,” said Toyota Research and Development senior executive engineer Tak Yokoo. “It will be quiet, smooth and powerful while emitting nothing but water. Toyota’s twenty-plus years of fuel cell technology combined with Hino’s heavy-duty truck experience will create an innovative and capable product.”
New York introduces California-style ICE vehicle ban for 2035
The state of New York could be following California’s lead in banning the production of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035, according to legislation introduced by New York State Senator Pete Harckham.
The proposed legislation mandates all new passenger car and truck sales by 2035 be fore zero-emission vehicles. It adds that all in-state sales of medium- and heavy-duty trucks be zero-emission by 2045.
“It’s time to intensify our fight against climate change, and a logical step is requiring vehicles to be entirely free of carbon and other toxic emissions,” said Harckham. “We can no longer wait on the White House or car and truck manufacturers to make this important determination. The climate crisis that we are facing can only be averted with decisive action. The changeover to zero emission vehicles is just one part of a larger, all-out initiative necessary to save our planet.”
Tesla CEO confirms new battery cells to be used in Berlin
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed on Twitter that its Berlin factory will use its new 4680 cell, Power Materials reports.
“Berlin will use 4680 cell with structural battery pack & front & rear single piece castings. Also, a new paint system,” Musk tweeted. “Lot of new technology will happen in Berlin, which means significant production risk. Fremont & Shanghai will transition in ~2 years when new tech is proven.”
In follow-up tweets, Musk emphasized the difficulty of matching production to expectations.
“Prototypes are a piece of cake, but high volume production of a new technology is extremely hard. Takes much longer than people think to climb the production S-curve. I can’t emphasize enough that production is by *far* the hard part,” he tweeted. “Bringing a new product to volume production is 1% inspiration & 99% perspiration. You do still need that critical seed of inspiration, but it’s fun & takes ~100 people. Production takes >10,000 people & hurts like hell until the gigantic cybernetic collective runs smoothly.”
UK electric vehicle infrastructure under threat of overload
The United Kingdom’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure may be in danger of overloading due to increasing demand, Power Materials learns from a network operator.
Energy Assets Networks has warned that without intervention, the projected rapid rise in demand for electricity to power domestic EV charging units could lead to outages across the country’s domestic housing developments.
According to the operator, UK housing developments are designed to cope with an average peak load of 1.5-2 kilowatts (KW) per household. However, as EV charging and heat pumps become more commonplace the peak load could “routinely exceed” 10-15 KW.
Energy Assets Networks has stated that technology innovation and “smart intervention” can be used to prevent network overloads as electrification becomes a more prominent factor under decarbonization, particularly through the adoption of EVs.
“While everyone welcomes the move to low carbon technologies, there is also a growing realization that local power networks may not be able to cope with the huge increase in demand for electricity as we transition to EV charging, particularly when you add in the impact of air source heat pumps,” said Jayson Whitaker, managing director of Energy Assets Networks.
Energy Assets Networks, in partnership with Evergreen Smart Power and Myenergi, has launched Project DINO (Domestic Infrastructure and Network Optimisation) as a possible solution. The project aims to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technology to safeguard network integrity through two-way communication with household appliances, including EV chargers.
BP lands EV charging contract with Police Scotland
BP’s electric vehicle business has been awarded a £21 million ($27.2 million) contract to develop the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for the Scottish Police, Power Materials understands.
Under the terms of the contract, BP Chargemaster will install over 1,000 charging points installed at 265 locations throughout Scotland, including 35 ultra-fast chargers. BP Chargemaster will work in partnership with engineering company WGM Engineering to deliver the necessary charging network to Police Scotland.
The deal is part of Police Scotland’s strategy to have the UK's first ultra-low emission blue light fleet by 2030, which will reduce carbon emissions, while also cutting maintenance and servicing costs.
The Police Scotland contract is the second country-wide public sector fleet contract awarded to bp Chargemaster in Scotland, following the start of a charging infrastructure rollout for the Scottish Ambulance Service – also in partnership with WGM Engineering – with 35 sites already completed and the next 34 sites now underway.
“BP’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to also help the world to get to net zero. This includes not only reducing our own emissions but supporting our customers in reducing theirs,” said Matteo de Renzi, chief executive of BP Chargemaster.
“We are incredibly proud to be able to support Police Scotland through this landmark contract – the largest of its kind ever awarded in the UK – as they transition their fleet and contribute to the Scottish Government’s 2045 net zero target.”
European MEPs vote to increase 2030 emissions target
The European Parliament has voted to increase the current European Union (EU) emissions reduction target for 2030 to 60%, Power Materials reports.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted on Wednesday to lift the goals for EU emissions cuts from 40%, compared to 1990, to 60% by 2030. The European Commission (EC) had recently proposed to increase the target to 55%, however MEPs raised the goal further, adding that “national targets shall be increased in a cost-efficient and fair way.”
They also called for an interim target for 2040 to be proposed by the EC, following an impact assessment, to ensure the EU is on track to reach its 2050 target.
Voting on the European Climate Law, MEPs approved a new negotiating mandate by 392 votes for to 161 against, with 142 abstentions. Under the new law, all EU member states are required to become “climate neutral” by 2050 and then move towards negative emissions. MEPs have also called for sufficient funding to achieve these objectives.
The EU and member states must also phase out all direct and indirect fossil fuel subsidies by 31 December 2025 at the latest, said MEPs, while also underlining the need to continue efforts to combat energy poverty. The EC must now propose an action plan to achieve carbon neutrality for EU member states, including total remaining EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions until 2050, by May 31, 2023.
“The adoption of the report sends a clear message to the Commission and the Council, in light of the upcoming negotiations. We expect all member states to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest and we need strong interim targets in 2030 and 2040 for the EU to achieve this,” said Jytte Guteland, MEP, group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament.
Enel, AME plan to build Chile’s first green hydrogen plant
Enel Green Power Chile (EGP) and Chilean power utility AME are planning to build the first green hydrogen production facility in Chile, Power Materials understands.
The companies said in a statement the pilot project would be the country’s first venture into hydrogen and one of the largest of its kind in Latin America. Fuel will be produced through an electrolyzer powered by wind energy in Cabo Negro, in the Magallanes Region.
The project is set to start production in 2022, and could have other partners including state-owned oil and gas company ENAP, Siemens Energy and Porsche. Technical details of the plant, such as production capacity, weren’t disclosed.
Enel said the South American country is emerging as one of the countries with the “greatest potential” for production and export of green hydrogen in the world.
The Chilean government estimates green hydrogen can help the country to cut its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2050. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA) sees Chile producing 160 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of green hydrogen.
The country’s perceived advantage relates to its excellent natural resources. The Patagonia region stands out for having some of the best on-land wind conditions globally due to its proximity to Antarctica. The constant wind power generation can play a key role in the development of a hub for green hydrogen in the region.
Green hydrogen projects in pipeline over 60GW globally: Rystad
New analysis shows that the global pipeline of green hydrogen developments exceeds 60 gigawatts (GW), Power Materials learns.
New research from Rystad Energy found that green hydrogen developments are being spurred on by incentives for governments presented by post-Covid 19 green stimulus packages. The analysis shows that 87% of green hydrogen projects currently in the pipeline coming from gigawatt-scale plants.
Europe and Australia are currently leading the way in electrolyzer projects with a capacity of 1 GW or more, with such projects in Australia: the Asian Renewable Energy Hub, Murchinson Renewable Hydrogen Project, Gladstone Hub and the Pacific Solar Hydrogen.
In Europe, green hydrogen projects are being driven by the European Union’s hydrogen strategy, published in July, which aims to develop 40 GW of clean hydrogen electrolyzers and the production of up to 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen across the EU between 2025 and 2030.
However, Rystad has highlighted that Europe will be reliant on offshore wind production to power and develop green hydrogen projects going forward, which it estimates requires a significantly higher capital expenditure than onshore wind or solar power. Solar and onshore wind are the primary power sources for global hydrogen electrolyser projects due to lower costs involved, despite offshore wind power offering higher levels of capacity.
“Despite the growing pipeline, we forecast less than half of this capacity (30 GW) will be operational by 2035, as developers will need to lower production costs. Government support will be required to advance projects more quickly, particularly for those developments that will be powered by costlier offshore wind,” said Rystad Energy’s head of renewables, Gero Farruggio.
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