Europe's First Domestic Lithium Chemicals Production Plant
Europe has long been striving to secure its lithium supply chain, a critical component for Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) manufacturers. Vulcan's LEOP stands as the continent's inaugural plant for entirely domestic lithium chemicals production, ensuring a stable supply for the growing BEV market.
Vulcan Energy Resources has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by officially inaugurating its Lithium Extraction Optimisation Plant (LEOP) in Landau, Germany. This momentous event marks the advent of lithium chemicals produced entirely within Europe, boasting an entirely locally sourced value chain. What's more, Vulcan's innovative approach leverages renewable heat from lithium brine resources, a significant step towards achieving a net-zero carbon footprint and co-production, a pioneering achievement in the lithium industry.
Vulcan asserts that its sustainable lithium production process, currently accounting for 10% of global lithium production, holds the potential for successful implementation in the Upper Rhine Valley. This implementation, powered by geothermal renewable energy, not only enables Europe to produce locally sourced lithium for battery electric vehicles but also achieves this with a net-zero carbon footprint.
Now that Lithium sourcing is possible in Europe, does it mean that some of the manufacturing can be done locally too?
It is clear that having your own production in the EU has always been extremely expensive and challenging ( due to lack of funding ) to keep a factory running products needs to be more expensive. The more expensive locally produced products are, the more fussy and uninterested the buyers are. If there is not enough demand then supply can't be delivered and profits are equal to none existent. It's a vicious circle we are trying to get out of.
While watching all the climate disasters unfold in front of our eyes, we tend to forget that just in 2021, over 253,000 people died due to pollution in the EU. That is why all our efforts should be directed towards addressing Climate Change and transitioning to a cleaner economy, rather than prioritizing war and territorial conquest.
The European Commission has also taken a significant step towards aligning the EU's energy system with the European Green Deal by adopting a list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs). These cross-border infrastructure projects are essential for achieving the EU's ambitious energy and climate objectives. They will benefit from streamlined permitting, regulatory procedures, and access to EU financial support. This list, developed under the revised TEN-E Regulation, marks a shift away from fossil fuel infrastructure and emphasizes renewable energy. It includes electricity, hydrogen, and CO2 network projects, with a focus on achieving a net-zero carbon footprint. Once approved by the European Parliament and Council, the Commission will work on the rapid implementation of these projects, in line with the EU Action Plan for Grids.
COP28 president abusing his position to secure oil deals.
Al Jaber's primary responsibility is to serve as an impartial mediator for the 190-plus governments convening at the global climate talks, with the crucial task of guiding them towards a successful outcome. Simultaneously, he holds the position of Chief Executive at UAE's national oil company, Adnoc, a situation that has raised concerns among environmental advocates who argue that these dual roles may create conflicts of interest.
This week, investigative journalism group the Centre for Climate Reporting, in collaboration with the BBC, released documents that appeared to indicate that discussions held by the COP28 presidency with other governments included "talking points" related to the potential sale of oil and gas by Adnoc.
At some point I was asked in an interview if I would ever accept investment from an Oil company in order to build WeDoSolar further and my answer was a big NO, simply because I do not believe we are on the same page and Oil companies will be dying slowly but will not give up so easily. It is within their interest to survive as long as possible and to do what they usually do while giving the impression of being great investors and promoting green tech.
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Innovation:
1. Lithium-glass batteries: These batteries have a much longer lifespan than conventional batteries. They also work at lower temperatures, charge more quickly, cost less, are safer (non-flammable), and store more energy over time.
2. “Rechargeable” Tyres: Imagine a tyre that adapts to weather circumstances, road conditions or the way you want to travel. Goodyear’s new innovation is created from a biological substance and strengthened with fibres modelled with one of nature’s strongest substances, spider silk. This makes it completely biodegradable and incredibly durable.
3. 3D Printed solar energy trees: Instead of cutting down trees for energy, why not plant them? Researchers at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have created a prototype of a tree that collects solar energy, kinetic and heat energy from its surroundings, indoors or outdoors. It can store energy and convert it into electricity to power small appliances like LED light bulbs, humidifiers, thermometers, and mobile phones.?
In light of these revelations, the intersection of environmental leadership and economic interests has become a focal point of discussion. As the world anticipates the largest COP meeting to date, the questions raised about the potential influence of oil deals on climate negotiations underscore the intricate complexities surrounding the global response to the urgent climate crisis. These developments serve as a timely reminder of the multifaceted challenges facing leaders and nations as they seek to balance environmental sustainability with economic imperatives on the global stage.