Significant upstream developments in the European battery value chain

We are happy to relay the annoucements of several key projects that will further strengthen the European supply chain for batteries.

Let’s begin with the establishment of the joint venture ‘Aurora’ between Galp and Northvolt to develop a lithium conversion facility. Announced today, this joint venture is engaged in the development of Europe’s largest and most sustainable lithium conversion plant, to be located in Portugal, with an annual production capacity of up to 35,000 tons of lithium hydroxide and a start of commercial operations in 2026.

Last week, the plan for another joint venture was announced between Umicore and Volkswagen AG to build up precursor and cathode material production capacities in Europe to supply Volkswagen AG’s European battery cell production, making a considerable contribution to the region’s transition towards cleaner mobility.

Volkswagen also communicated additional partnership agreements including one with Vulcan Energy Resources as reported on Electrive.com. The German automotive manufacturer has indeed signed a binding contract with the German-Australian lithium company to supply CO2-neutral lithium from the Upper Rhine area in Germany. The contract provides for the supply of lithium hydroxide over a period of five years starting in 2026.

With similar agrements signed between Vulcan Energy Resources and other automotive manufcturers like Renault or Stellantis, the European automotive sector clearly shows its intention to integrate lithium-ion batteries produced with a sustainable and local lithium supply.