Altech Batteries is significantly expanding its silumina anodes battery project, increasing its output from 15 gigawatt hours (GWh) to an impressive 120 GWh.
This surge in capacity, achieved during the final stages of the definitive feasibility study (DFS), is aimed at meeting the growing demand for silicon-type anodes in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Initially, the DFS proposed the production of 10,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of silumina anodes, combining high-purity alumina-coated metallurgical silicon and graphite in a 10 per cent mix. However, the project's focus has now shifted exclusively to alumina-coated metallurgical silicon at a rate of 8,000 tpa. Customers will blend this component with uncoated graphite at their battery plants instead of Altech's facility, streamlining the production process.
The move to an "all silicon" approach is anticipated to bring substantial improvements to the bottom-line economics of the project. Notably, it enables Altech to overcome challenges associated with silicon, such as expansion defragmentation and significant first-cycle loss. By integrating its coated silicon into lithium-ion batteries, Altech achieves a 30 per cent increase in energy density, providing a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing lithium-ion battery market, which is expected to see a 26 per cent compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2025.
A breakthrough has occurred in battery technology. It involves special high-purity alumina (HPA) coating and regular battery-grade graphite. The outcome is a lithium-ion battery with a combined graphite and silicon anode. What makes it unique is it has ten times more capacity than batteries with only graphite anodes. This advancement marks a big step in making batteries more powerful and efficient.
This innovation leads to higher energy retention capacity by volume and weight, ultimately allowing for the creation of smaller, lighter batteries tailored for the EV market.
Altech's strategic decision to focus on "all silicon" is a technological advancement and a smart business move. By decreasing the reliance on graphite, the cost of producing batteries can be reduced, providing a competitive edge in the market.
Altech is discussing with its European silicon partner, Ferroglobe, to enhance the supply of metallurgical silicon for the Silumina project.
Additionally, the company has executed non-disclosure agreements with prominent automotive groups in Europe and the US, indicating strong interest in acquiring commercial samples for testing and qualification procedures.
As the pilot plant in Saxony, Germany, nears completion, Altech anticipates its operational status in early 2024, marking a crucial milestone in advancing the commercial development of its proprietary HPA coating technology.
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