News

Scientists led by an Oregon State University researcher have developed a new electrolyte that raises the efficiency of the zinc metal anode in zinc batteries to nearly 100%, a breakthrough on the way to an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage. The research is part of an ongoing global quest for new battery chemistries able to store renewable solar and wind energy on the electric grid for use when the sun isn`t shining and the wind isn`t blowing. Xiulei [David" Ji of the OSU College of Science and a collaboration that included HP Inc. and GROTTHUSS INC., an Oregon State spinout company, reported their findings in Nature Sustainability. [The breakthrough represents a significant advancement toward making zinc metal batteries more accessible to consumers," Ji said. [These batteries are essential for the installation of additional solar and wind farms. In addition, they offer a secure and efficient solution for home energy storage, as well as energy storage modules for communities that are vulnerable to natural disasters." A battery stores electricity in the form of chemical energy and through reactions converts it to electrical energy. There are many different types of batteries, but most of them work the same basic way and contain the same basic components. Every battery has two electrodes - the anode, from which electrons flow out into an external circuit, and the cathode, which acquires electrons from the external circuit - and the electrolyte, the chemical medium that separates the electrodes and allows the flow of ions between them. Relying on a metal that`s safe and abundant, zinc-based batteries are energy-dense and seen as a possible alternative for grid energy storage to widely used lithium-ion batteries, whose production relies on shrinking supplies of rare metals such as cobalt and nickel. Cobalt and nickel are also toxic and can contaminate ecosystems and water sources if they leach out of landfills. Additionally, electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are commonly dissolved in flammable organic solvents that often decompose at high operation voltages. Other safety concerns include dendrites, which resemble tiny trees growing inside a battery. They can pierce the separator like thistles growing through cracks in a driveway, leading to unwanted and sometimes unsafe chemical reactions. [Zinc metal batteries are one of the leading candidate technologies for large-scale energy storage," Ji said. [Our new hybrid electrolyte uses water and an ordinary battery solvent, which is non-flammable, cost-effective and of low environmental impact. The electrolyte is made of a dissolved mixture of inexpensive chloride salts, with the primary one being zinc chloride." The cost of electricity delivered by a storage facility consisting of zinc batteries can only be competitive with fossil-fuel-produced electricity if the battery has a long cycle life of thousands of cycles, Ji said. To date, however, cycle life has been limited by the poor reversibility performance of the zinc anode. During charging, Ji explains, zinc cations in the electrolyte gain electrons and get plated on the anode surface. During discharge, the plated anode gives up electrons for the workload by being dissolved into the electrolyte. [This zinc plating and dissolution process is often woefully irreversible," Ji said. [Namely, some electrons used in plating cannot be recouped during discharge. This is a problem in an area known as Coulombic efficiency." Coulombic efficiency, or CE, is a measure of how well electrons are transferred in batteries, the ratio of the total charge extracted from the battery to the charge put in the over a full cycle. Lithium-ion batteries can have a CE in excess of 99%. The new electrolyte developed by Ji and collaborators including scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Penn State and the University of California, Riverside, enabled a CE of 99.95%. [The primary challenge with zinc batteries is that zinc reacts with water in the electrolyte to generate hydrogen gas in what is called a hydrogen evolution reaction," Ji said. [This parasitic reaction causes a short cycle life and is also a potential safety hazard." The new electrolyte, however, restricts water`s reactivity and nearly shuts down the hydrogen evolution reaction by forming a [passivation layer" on the surface of the anode. A similar passivation layer is what enabled the initial commercialization of lithium-ion batteries in the 1990s. Ji credits OSU chemistry colleague Chong Fang for uncovering the electrolyte`s atomic structure by using femtosecond Raman spectroscopy and Alex Greaney at UC Riverside for determining the passivation mechanism. [Also, it is worth noting that the efficiency we measured is under harsh conditions that do not mask any damage caused by the hydrogen evolution reaction," Ji added. [The breakthrough reported here heralds the near-future commercialization of the zinc metal batteries for large-scale grid storage." OSU`s Kyriakos Stylianou also took part in this research, which was supported by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The efficiency of photovoltaic modules is an important index to measure the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. Different brands and types of PV modules have different module efficiencies. Most household PV modules typically have efficiencies of 15-18% , with high-quality modules achieving efficiencies of more than 21% . Here are Deege Solar's picks for the most efficient PV modules for domestic PV systems in 2022: Deege Solar is a British PV installer, and Ja and sky are the only two Chinese PV companies selected. From the module model and power point of view, Tianhe 210 Supreme Xiaogang has been promoted and performed well in the European household market. Although the latest 182 household module products from Jingao are not on the list, previous module models also have a higher efficiency, power level. Longji, Jinao and Jinke were among the top 10 Chinese PV companies in the 2022 US household module market efficiency ranking published by Global PV. In recent years, the rapid growth of the global household photovoltaic, photovoltaic enterprises are increasing the layout, Tianhe, jingao, jingke, Longji have launched its consumer market for large-scale Battery module products. Developed areas overseas have a high proportion of independent housing, and have the basic conditions to install household photovoltaic systems. They are relatively mature, thanks to the implementation of the fifteen plan and the county-wide promotion policy, the domestic domestic PV market is also developing rapidly. According to Wang Bohua's latest report, the 2021 installed capacity of domestic PV accounts for 39.4% of our country's new installed capacity, up 113.3% year-on-year. The scale of domestic PV has reached a record high of 21.6 GW.

Gamesa Electric had a record year in 2022 in its solar and storage inverter business, almost tripling the contracted capacity globally compared to 2021. Specifically, during 2022 Gamesa Electric experienced a 182% increase in the megawatts signed compared to the capacity contracted in 2021. The U.S. is Gamesa`s main market, followed by Europe and Latin America. [We are delighted with the strong demand for our products and services this year," said Juan Barandiaran, managing director of Gamesa Electric. [It is a proof of the hard work and dedication of our team and encourages us to continue to innovate and offer our customers top-quality products such as the Proteus inverter." One of the reasons for this successful year has been the launch of the new Gamesa Electric Proteus, a central inverter for solar and storage applications with up to 4.7 MW of power and record levels of efficiency. In fact, 98% of the contracts signed are related to this solution, a clear sign of the great reception it has had among customers. In addition, the Proteus inverter has received the prestigious Intersolar Award as the best solar product of 2022.

MCE`s Deep Green 100% renewable energy has become the default electricity service in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa and Solano counties. Homes and businesses starting new electric service will automatically start with 100% renewable energy, with the freedom to choose from several other options from MCE or PG&E. The move to make 100% renewable the default service is a powerful decision that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since its launch in 2010, MCE has a track record of at least doubling the renewable energy offered by PG&E - increasing its default energy service from 28% in 2010 to 100% in 2023. More than 100,000 new electric accounts are expected to start 100% renewable service in 2023, reducing more than 1,600 metric tons of greenhouse gasses each year. That is equivalent to more than 4 million miles driven in a gas-powered passenger vehicle. [Simply by setting the default at 100% renewable energy, our communities are easily and dramatically reducing emissions to help combat climate change," said Dawn Weisz, MCE`s CEO. [We`re also covering the premium for folks with lower incomes to eliminate cost barriers to participating - an important environmental justice provision supported by our locally-elected Board of Directors." As a not-for-profit public agency, MCE is committed to honoring each customer`s ability to choose their electricity provider and service level. Residents and businesses will continue to have the option to choose MCE`s 60% renewable Light Green service, or PG&E`s 49% renewable service. The transition to Deep Green default service will: Begin on January 1, 2023, Only cost the average residential customer $1.40 more per month than PG&E`s 49% renewable service, Provide Deep Green at no additional charge for residents with lower incomes on a CARE or FERA discount rate. Low-income households face a disproportionately higher energy burden. Energy burden is defined as the percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs. To minimize this burden and ensure equitable access to the clean energy revolution, low-income customers will receive 100% renewable service at no extra cost. In 2023, MCE expects around 12,000 new enrollments from lower income customers who will get 100% renewable with no extra cost. MCE will notify customers of their enrollment into Deep Green service and their other options with three notices mailed or emailed within the first 60 days of starting new electricity service.

This month, CARITAS began powering its one-of-a-kind recovery and homeless services facility in Richmond, Virginia, with solar power. Secure Solar Futures of Staunton installed 782 Heliene photovoltaic solar panels, comprising the largest solar power system at any facility serving homeless people in Virginia, and possibly on the East Coast. The 313-kW solar array is estimated to cut the organization`s electric utility bills by $224,358 over the next 25 years. [Solar power will save money on energy that CARITAS can apply to their mission of helping people improve their lives," said Ryan McAllister, CEO of Secure Solar Futures. [The flat roof of the former warehouse building that they transformed into a beautiful energy efficient space was perfectly suited to hosting a solar power system large enough to make CARITAS a leader on clean energy." Secure Solar will operate the solar energy system, which is expected to cover a substantial portion of the new facility`s energy use by generating enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 39 average homes. [There`s no other organization quite like CARITAS in that we provide all of the solutions to homelessness and addiction under one roof," said Karen Stanley, president and CEO of CARITAS. [Our commitment to providing a holistic solution to homelessness and addiction starts with the building." Stanley is referring to the CARITAS Center, which opened in 2020. The center houses a new women`s recovery program and sober-living apartment community in addition to its emergency shelter, workforce development program and furniture bank programs. More than 100 staff members help provide support to the community at the center, in addition to a second location at 700 Dinwiddie Avenue. Last year, the nonprofit provided 36,000 nights of shelter to men and women in its recovery program and 15,653 nights of shelter in its emergency shelter. [We worked with interior designers and architects with experience in the hospitality industry so our space feels more like a home than an institution," Stanley said. [As an intentional part of achieving that goal, we infused a variety of clean energy elements into the building that reflect the value placed on our participant and staff mental and physical well-being." The decision to add solar power at the new facility is consistent with the commitment of CARITAS to effective stewardship of resources that are both financial and ecological. The building also incorporates about 45 solar tubes, which will filter natural light throughout the Center. Other appliances are ENERGY STAR certified to manage usage and costs. Toilets in the building also feature automatic shut-off functions. Secure Solar installed the solar energy equipment at no upfront capital cost to CARITAS and will operate the system under a 25-year power purchase agreement. Over that term, CARITAS will buy all the electricity generated by the solar panels located on-site from Secure Solar at a cost lower than typically available. CARITAS will use a $17,000 grant from the RVA Solar Fund, administered by the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond.

Solar energy will help power the homes of 400 Colorado families this coming year that are unable to keep up with utility payments because of the $100,000 raised by the Keep the Lights on Colorado community giving campaign. Keep the Lights on Colorado, a community fundraising campaign, raised enough money to power the homes of 400 Colorado families in 2023 through community solar subscriptions. Colorado PV contractor Namaste Solar brought businesses and individuals together to support the campaign, with 21 corporate sponsors and 66 individual donors, raising the $100,000 that will provide community solar subscriptions to low-income families. Namaste Solar created Keep the Lights on Colorado in 2020 to support its mission of creating holistic wealth for the community. The annual campaign runs each November and raises money for Energy Outreach Colorado, a Denver-based not-for-profit that helps families throughout Colorado afford their energy costs. Energy Outreach Colorado gives families access to community solar subscriptions that provide long-term stability in the form of monthly bill credits, which will reduce their annual home energy costs by 38%. The subscriptions provided are not affiliated with projects built by or in benefit of Namaste Solar. [Energy Outreach Colorado is proud to partner with Namaste Solar and their innovative Keep the Lights on Colorado campaign," said Tess Richey, director of development at Energy Outreach Colorado. [The funds raised will help stabilize families facing energy insecurity by reducing household energy costs through long-term solar subscriptions, making home energy more affordable. This campaign has continued to grow over the past three years, and we are thrilled that the organizations and individuals who support this year`s campaign have made it the most impactful year yet." According to Energy Outreach Colorado, one in four households struggle with a high energy burden. These households are spending a disproportionate amount of their income on energy bills. The energy burden on low-income households is three times that of higher-income households. The community solar subscriptions address an immediate need by taking a cost burden away from families and giving them the freedom to invest in other needs. As the organizer, Namaste Solar led the campaign with a contribution of $10,000. [Namaste Solar strongly believes in supporting the communities that we are a part of. Especially in the last three years we`ve seen that people are struggling and have immediate needs that we want to help support," said Jenna Stadsvold, Namaste Solar co-owner, brand manager and Keep the Lights on Colorado program manager. [It`s an added bonus that Energy Outreach Colorado helps invest in solar energy for the long-term, too." Sponsors this year included: Leadership Level Sponsors ($5,000 supporting 20 families): REC Group and Greenbacker Energy Investment. Company Influencer Level Sponsors ($2,500 supporting 10 families): Studio Shed, BSW Wealth Partners, Moye White, Amalgamated Bank, BizWest, and Bisnow. Promoter Level Sponsors ($1,000 supporting 4 families): Trebuchet Group, Conscience Bay Company, Alpine Bank, Plant Moran, Domoto, Shirazi Benefits, Wallaroo Hat Company, GroundFloor Media, Solaris Energy, NESCO, The Colorado Sound, and KUNC In the three years the campaign has run, 916 of Colorado families in need have been supported.

Correlate Infrastructure Partners has announced a solar project totaling 3.8 MW at EnerSys`s global headquarters in Pennsylvania. EnerSys is a global energy storage manufacturer helping to meet the growing demand for energy efficiency, reliability and sustainability. While the company`s products help address some of the world`s largest challenges, including the efficient and affordable distribution of goods, grid reliability, telecommunications and electrification of customers` previously fossil-fuel-driven operations, internal efforts towards a low-carbon future are also top company priority. [Sustainability at EnerSys expands far beyond the benefits and impacts of our products," said David Shaffer, EnerSys president and CEO. [It`s central to how we manage our own operations and this project is a big step in getting us closer to our goals in minimizing our carbon footprint." The project also marks a major step forward in the clean energy transition for corporate infrastructure as a whole. [This partnership and project bring together a decade of our team`s vision, whereby we are both supporting a corporate renewables program and helping decarbonize the supply chain with a global market leader," said Todd Michaels, Correlate CEO. [We`re proud to be working with EnerSys to further advance solar development in the Commonwealth and to support their commitment to long-term sustainability as an industry leader." Additionally, the new project aids Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf in his goal to bring statewide green energy power usage to at least 40% in order to achieve a 26% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2025.

Lithium-sulfur battery, the soaring next-gen battery. The rechargeable batteries can be categorized into various types based on their materials. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used batteries. Since it was first commercialized in 1991, lithium-ion batteries have been servicing various fields even in 2022. However, as the battery need for electric vehicles and ESS, the world is looking for next-generation batteries. One of the future batteries garnering attention is the lithium-sulfur battery. Lithium-sulfur batteries use sulfur as cathode and lithium metal as anode. Sulfur used as cathode for lithium-sulfur batteries is less expensive than cobalt used in lithium-ion batteries. Since the sulfur cathode and lithium anode have low density and high capacity per weight than lithium-ion batteries, the battery`s energy density can become two-fold (>500Wh/kg). In other words, the lithium-sulfur battery is rising as a next-generation battery since it could offer high capacity at a lower price. Lithium-ion batteries charge and discharge as lithium ions travel between the cathode and anode, whereas lithium-sulfur batteries generate electrical energy through the `gradual transition of sulfur.` In lithium-sulfur batteries, eight sulfur atoms form a ring and consecutively trigger a reduction reaction. The ring gradually shortens and becomes a linear structure of lithium sulfide, releasing energy. Since it can be reduced until one sulfur atom bonds with two lithium ions, a large amount of lithium can be oxidized. During charging, the oxidation reaction occurs in the reverse order, converting lithium sulfide to sulfur. Lithium-sulfur batteries have many benefits, including competitive price since it uses widely available and inexpensive sulfur. It also has a high weight reduction potential due to having twice more energy density per weight than lithium-ion batteries. Also, since it does not use rare metals like cobalt or nickel, it is environment-friendly and can be used in future mobility machines such as drones or planes. In fact, in 2020, LG Energy Solution installed a lithium-sulfur battery in a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). It successfully performed well in a test flight at the highest altitude possible in the stratosphere for 13 hours. This confirms that the battery exhibits stable performance even in extreme environments at a temperature of -70 degrees Celsius and with very low atmospheric pressure that is only 1/25 of the ground level. The lithium-sulfur battery has already been patented by American scientists Herbert Danuta and Ulam Juliusz in 1962. Its commercial application, however, did not bear fruit due to some technical problems until now. Last April, during Battery Day 2021, LG Energy Solution announced its plans to commercialize lithium-sulfur batteries beginning 2025, capturing the attention of many people. When used commercially, lithium-sulfur batteries are expected to power the URM (Urban Air Mobility). It may not be far out in the future when LG Energy Solution serves the drone industry with its lithium-sulfur battery technology. The images we usually see in sci-fi movies involving flying cars or air taxis in busy cities may become a reality sooner than we think. How great would it be when the day comes!

Solid-state NASA battery beats the Model Y 4680 pack at energy density by stacking all cells in one case. NASA has achieved a breakthrough in its solid-state battery research aimed at electricity-powered transportation. NASA`s solid-state battery stacks all of its cells in one casing, reducing weight and increasing the energy density twice compared to that of Li-ion batteries in the typical electric car. NASA`s Solid-state Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability and Safety (SABERS) project has reached a research milestone, announced the agency. After a few years of experiments and university partnerships, NASA`s solid-state battery has hit the whopping 500 Wh/kg energy density, double that of the typical electric car, allowing it to propel electric planes even. In fact, NASA has been doing the solid-state battery research precisely as part of its Convergent Aeronautics Solutions project for sustainable aviation. In the process, NASA managed to discover a novel packing method for solid-state cells that reduces the battery weight by 30-40% and doubles its energy density compared to the current liquid Li-ion batteries in most electric cars. For comparison, Tesla`s 4680 batteries in the Model Y boast sub-300 Wh/kg energy density, while CATL`s upcoming M3P phosphate packs for the standard range Model Y are rated at 160 Wh/kg. SABERS`s battery eschews individual packaging and stacks all solid-state cells on top of one another within one single case. Not only is this design much lighter and energy-dense than current EV batteries, but it also exhibits the inherent endurance of solid-state packs. NASA`s tests of the new solid-state battery found that it can withstand temperatures twice higher than what current Li-ion batteries in electric vehicles are able to endure before bursting into flames. This makes it suitable for use on planes and the NASA team is testing its solid-state battery for continued performance at even higher pressures and temperatures. Improved battery safety is a very important advantage of the solid-state technology as the recent Hurricane Ian devastation demonstrated. After all, putting out Teslas which caught on fire during the floods, and whose flaming battery packs couldn`t be easily extinguished, turned out to be a major new headache for the disaster recovery crews.

Enpower Greentech achieved breakthrough in cylindrical batteries. Enpower Greentech Inc. (a global solid-state battery developer based in the US, having operations in Japan, and China) has successfully developed a 4095mAh cylindrical battery, delivering industry leading energy densities of 389Wh/kg and 888Wh/L. This development has resulted in a new energy density record in the class of rechargeable 18650 cylindrical batteries. Enpower`s version, which is at least 20% lighter and is packed with at least 15% higher energy than those currently on the market, will clear the way for lighter, more energy-efficient electronic devices including, among others, drones, electric crafts, and electric cars. The 18650 cylindrical battery (referring to a battery size with a 18mm diameter and 65mm height) is an industry standard for lithium-ion battery cells. It was invented and industrialized by SONY in 1991, where it was used widely in portable electronics. In 2008, Tesla`s first all-electric sports car (the [Roadster") was launched using 18650 cylindrical batteries produced by Panasonic. This represented the first deployment of the 18650 cylindrical batteries in the EV industry. In September 2020, Tesla announced the 4680 large cylindrical battery during its [Battery Day" event, kickstarting a new wave of development on cylindrical battery technology in the EV industry. While SONY`s 18650 lithium-ion battery was a revolutionary product, its capacity was limited to 900mAh (as shown in Figure 1A). During the past 30 years, capacity has increased gradually, year by year, with Panasonic launching the 3450 mAh 18650 battery in 2015. Since then, the capacity of the 18650 battery has stagnated, while Korean and Chinese players caught up, launching 18650 cylindrical batteries of 3500mAh. In 2021, the American start-up NanoGraf announced its own 18650 battery with capacity as high as 3800mAh (3.8Ah) using a silicon-based anode. This October, NanoGraf further announced an increased capacity of 4000mAh (4.0Ah). On the other hand, most development in next-generation batteries (including lithium metal and solid-state batteries) has focused on the format of pouch cells. In recent years, by contrast, very little has been done on cylindrical batteries. Over the past three years Enpower Greentech has successfully developed lithium metal pouch cells with record-breaking energy densities. Its record-breaking 18650 cylindrical battery leverages its proprietary technologies on lithium metal anode into the cylindrical batteries. This increases the (nominal) voltage of 18650 battery by 100-200mV, raising the battery`s capacity to 4095mAh (as shown in Figure 2), and reducing its weight by almost 20%, compared with the high-capacity 18650 products using silicon-based anodes. As a results, the gravimetric energy density of Enpower`s 18650 cell is significantly improved (Figure1B). Moreover, as shown in Table 1 (EGI LMB18650-4.1Ah), new milestones have also been reached in cell capacity, (nominal) voltage, and volumetric energy density for 18650 batteries. Among the next-generation batteries using either silicon-rich anodes or lithium metal anode, most have an issue of cell swelling during charge and discharge. To ensure top performances, they require an external pressure to be applied. Enpower`s 18650 cell demonstrates the advantage of cylindrical cell structure, in which the battery can deliver stable cycling performance without applying external pressure. The 18650 cylindrical lithium metal battery (LMB) developed by Enpower Greentech is currently being pilot tested. The company is seeking collaborators in diversified battery applications, including EV OEMs, to achieve commercialization through partnerships. The company plans to leverage this breakthrough technology to develop ultra-high energy density in the 2170 and 4680 cylindrical batteries. The company expects to achieve a battery capacity of 32Ah and an energy density of 400Wh/kg in its 4680 cylindrical cell. (Tesla`s current 4680 battery capacity is around 27.5Ah, and the energy density is around 300Wh/kg) 4).

Tembo announces definitive agreement to supply EV conversion kits for 4×4 electric light vehicles in landmark deal. VivoPower International PLC (NASDAQ: VVPR, the [Company") announce that the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tembo e-LV B.V. ([Tembo"), have entered into a Definitive Distribution Agreement with Energy Trading Company Mauritius ([ETC Mauritius") to sell, distribute and market Tembo electrification conversion kits for Toyota 4×4 second-hand vehicles in the Republic of Kenya. Under the agreement, ETC Mauritius has committed to sell a minimum of 4,000 Tembo e-LV conversion kits from execution of this agreement until 31st December 2027 across various industry sectors in Kenya. ETC Mauritius will be responsible for acquiring Toyota second-hand vehicles, converting the vehicles to ruggedised e-LVs using Tembo solutions, selling the units to end-customers and providing after-sale servicing and maintenance with support from Tembo. This agreement marks VivoPower`s largest distribution deal to date for Tembo e-LV conversion kits, based on number of kits. Sectors where the Tembo e-LVs will be used are wide-ranging, including government services, agriculture, tourism and mining. Importantly, VivoPower is also entering the second-hand vehicle market, which represents a considerably larger addressable market than that for conversion of new vehicles and allows for on-road applications of our e-LV kit. Tembo`s conversion kits transform diesel-powered Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux vehicles into ruggedised electric light vehicles for use in mining and other hard-to-decarbonise sectors. Tembo e-LV products are a key component of VivoPower`s turnkey net-zero solutions to assist both government and corporate enterprises accelerate towards their decarbonisation goals. Kevin Chin, Executive Chairman and CEO of VivoPower, said: We are delighted to announce this distribution partnership with ETC, given their longstanding and deep ties with both government and the private sector in Kenya. [This partnership is a landmark milestone for Tembo e-LV on two fronts: it represents our single largest commitment of future orders for Tembo e-LV conversion kits at all levels within a single country and importantly it heralds our entry into the second-hand vehicle repowering market, which effectively multiplies our total addressable market." [We look forward to working closely with the ETC team to deliver our solutions to Kenya, assisting both government and private sector achieve their energy transition goals over the next five years and beyond." Sacha E Cook, CEO of ETC Mauritius, said: We are delighted to become a distributor of Tembo e-LVs in Kenya, which will allow us to play a significant role in achieving our country`s net zero targets by 2030. [Having evaluated a number of alternatives, we decided to partner with Tembo, with which we can lead the way to decarbonise key sectors, including mining, public sector, agriculture and tourism across the country. We look forward to becoming part of the Tembo e-LV family and building a solid partnership in the coming years." About VivoPower VivoPower is an award-winning global sustainable energy solutions company focused on battery storage, electric solutions for customised and ruggedised fleet applications, solar and critical power technology and services. The Company`s core purpose is to provide its customers with turnkey decarbonisation solutions that enable them to move toward net-zero carbon status. VivoPower is a certified B Corporation with operations in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. About ETC Mauritius Energy Trading Company Mauritius currently has investments and operations in clean energy (50% of Rift Gas Ltd, Kenya) and micro mobility company (SKOOT, United Kingdom). The fundamental principle and driving force of the business and its investment portfolio is to contribute to achieving Net Zero across the clean energy and transport sectors. Highlights: Definitive distribution agreement for a minimum of 4,000 kits until December 2027 Represents VivoPower`s largest distribution deal to date for Tembo kits Definitive agreement increases total commitments and orders to over 10,000 kits Heralds Tembo`s entry into second hand vehicle repowering market Total addressable market for second hand vehicle repowering estimated to be worth $110 bn*

Introducing a novel molecular orbital interaction that stabilises cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. A large international team led by scientists from the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials at the University of Wollongong has verified that the introduction of novel molecular orbital interactions can improve the structural stability of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The production of better cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries is a major challenge for the electric car industry. In research published in Angewandte Chemie, first author Dr Gemeng Liang, Prof Zaiping Guo, A/Prof Wei Kong Pang and associates, used multiple capabilities at ANSTO and other techniques to provide evidence that doping a promising cathode material, spinel LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4 (LNMO), with germanium significantly strengthens the 4s-2p orbital interaction between oxygen and metal cations. Dr Liang. The 4s-2p orbital is relatively uncommon, but we found a compound in the literature in which germanium has a valence state of + 3, enabling an electron configuration ([Ar] 3d104s1) in which 4s transition metal orbital electrons are available to interact with unpaired electrons in the oxygen 2p orbital, producing the hybrid 4s-2p orbital. The 4s-2p orbital creates structural stability in the LNMO material, as determined using synchrotron and neutron experiments at ANSTO`s Australian Synchrotron and the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, as well as other methods. The team used neutron and (lab-based) X-ray powder diffraction, as well as microscopy, to confirm the location of the doped germanium at the 16c and 16d crystallographic sites of the LNMO structure with Fd3¯m space group symmetry. As the valence state of the germanium dopants was important to investigate, laboratory X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements at the Australian Synchrotron were carried out. They confirmed that germanium dopants have an average valence state of +3.56, with germanium at the 16c and 16d sites being +3 and +4, respectively. The results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported this observation. The researchers evaluated the electrochemical performance of batteries containing LNMO and compared that with those containing LNMO with 4s-2p orbital hybridisation (known as 4s-LNMO). These assessments found that doping with 2% germanium contributed to superior structural stability, as well as reduced battery voltage polarisation, improved energy density, and high voltage output. [We wanted to understand the lithium diffusion kinetics in the two materials and found that after the germanium is introduced into the system, the diffusion of lithium in the material is faster, allowing faster charge capability," Dr Liang said. Following the performance testing, Dr Liang used synchrotron-based Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (NEXAFS) on the Soft X-ray beamline for more detailed information about the electronic structures of active materials during cycling. Spectroscopic data at the open circuit voltage of the battery found a significant increase in the intensity of peaks of the 4s-LNMO material at the position corresponding to the 4s-2p orbital hybridisation-providing further validation of the successful introduction of the novel 4s-2p orbital interaction. [Because we can see the unfilled orbitals, these are linked in a distinct but complicated way to the filled orbitals, we can use these to help characterise better the chemistry of the system either through quantum mechanical calculations or by comparison to similar materials," said co-author Instrument scientist Dr Bruce Cowie. The NEXAFS data were also useful in evaluating the behaviour of manganese in the material. [We know that keeping manganese from dissolving into the electrolyte and inhibiting the formation of manganese +2 and +3 in the structure will help prevent structural degradation," said Dr Liang. The NEXAFS results showed that there was only a minor amount of Mn3+ and no noticeable Mn2+ in the 4s-LNMO, which further increases the structural stability of the material. In operando experiments on the Powder Diffraction beamline at the Australian Synchrotron explored the structural behaviour of the material within a battery during cycling. Using these data, the team confirmed the suppression of an unfavourable two-phase reaction at high operating voltage in the 4s-LNMO. [Orbital hybridisation is quite a new concept in battery research, but is very promising for solving battery performance issues," said Dr Liang. [Even better – this approach is extendable to other battery materials." Other ANSTO co-authors included Dr Anita D`Angelo, Dr Bernt Johannessen, Dr Lars Thomsen, and Prof Vanessa Peterson. Collaborating institutions included The University of Adelaide, the University of Surrey (UK), and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (Taiwan). Dr Liang, who currently holds a position at the University of Adelaide, received a Post Graduate Research Award from the Australian institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE). Key Points The introduction of novel molecular orbital interaction improved the structural stability of a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries Doping with germanium showed superior structural stability, as well as reduced battery voltage polarisation, improved energy density, and high voltage output in the material An international team led by scientists from the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials at the University of Wollongong used multiple techniques at ANSTO`s Australian Synchrotron and the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering to elucidate molecular orbital interactions

ES EUROPE TREND PAPER: FIVE COUNTRIES ARE DRIVING GROWTH IN THE EUROPEAN STORAGE SYSTEM MARKET. Munich/Pforzheim, March 2022: You do not have to be able to see into the future to predict that electricity prices for private households will continue to be on the rise in the next few years – and throughout Europe too. At the same time, production costs for solar power have been falling, both for power directly from roof-mounted systems and from residential storage systems. According to a recent study by the industry association SolarPower Europe, the best solar and storage installations in Germany currently reach electricity generation costs of as little as 12.2 eurocents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Consequently, solar power is becoming increasingly attractive on the European market and beyond. Conversely, electricity from the grid costs private households in Germany around three times as much. The German Solar Association (BSW Solar) reports that more than 140,000 new battery systems were installed in Germany in combination with photovoltaic systems last year alone. Further market growth is also expected this year – one reason being the Ukraine war. Given these framework conditions, it comes as no surprise that the number and storage capacity of newly installed systems has risen sharply in the last five years. Figures from EUPD Research and the German Solar Association demonstrate this. According to them, even under difficult circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, around 73,000 battery systems were installed in private homes in Germany in the first half of 2021. That`s 59 percent more than in the same period of the previous year. The growing installed capacity of photovoltaic systems is considered one important driving factor behind this trend. Systems ranging from 10 to 15 kilowatt (kW) as well as from 15 to 20 kW in particular have seen a steep growth since the EEG amendment in early 2021, with the number of installed storage systems growing in parallel. In Germany, four manufacturers have been dominating the storage market: Together, the brands sonnen, BYD, E3/DC and senec cover three-quarters of this market. All other suppliers of storage systems currently only reach market shares of less than ten percent. The European residential storage system market is growing But how does Germany`s rapid market growth compare to the European average? SolarPower Europe`s European Market Outlook for Residential Battery Storage 2021–2025, which was published in November 2021, provides answers to this question. According to the study, newly installed capacity from electricity storage systems in private households rose by 44 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year. Despite challenging market conditions due to the COVID-19 crisis, approx. 140,000 systems installed saw the European storage market exceed 100,000 installed battery units for the first time in 2020. This amounts to 413,000 installed residential storage systems in total for the German market. Simultaneously, 1,072 megawatt hours (MWh) of newly installed storage capacity within a single year meant that the market broke the important gigawatt hour threshold for the first time. According to the association, a further increase in demand for private photovoltaic systems and residential storage systems is expected this year, in part due to the Ukraine war and the associated energy crisis. Consumers see this as a chance to protect themselves against rising energy costs and supply shortages in the long term. ees Europe Trend Paper: Five Countries Are Driving Growth In The European Storage System Market While these figures already reflect a successful year for manufacturers of storage systems, the cumulative growth of installed storage capacity is even more striking. In 2019, storage capacity for private households grew from less than 2 gigawatt hours (GWh) to over 3 GWh by 2020, which equals an increase of 54 percent over the previous year. The total storage capacity has risen tenfold since 2015. The top 5 residential storage system markets in Europe In a country-by-country comparison, Germany is still the European leader for both photovoltaics and residential battery storage systems. Installation figures for 2020 indicate that the German market accounts for around 70 percent of the total installed capacity in the European residential storage system market, making it a force that cannot be overlooked. According to these figures, newly installed storage capacity in Germany grew by 51 percent to 749 MWh in 2020 compared to the previous year. Lagging behind Germany by a considerable margin, the other four countries making up the top 5 of the European residential storage system market are Italy, Great Britain, Austria and Switzerland. Together, these five countries are home to 93 percent of all European residential storage systems. According to SolarPower Europe, the introduction of the Superbonus 110 percent scheme in Italy (a tax credit covering 110 percent of the cost for the low energy renovation of residential buildings, including the installation of solar and storage systems) as well as already existing incentive programs led to a 44 percent market growth (94 MWh) in 2020. In Great Britain, market growth for 2020 amounted to 25 percent compared with the previous year, i.e. around 11,000 newly installed storage systems (81 MWh). In this context, the sharp reduction and ultimately suspension of the feed-in tariff for solar power in the residential sector continues have an effect, with the United Kingdom recording comparatively few residential photovoltaic installations, and a more pronounced growth of the storage market being thwarted. In Austria, market growth amounted to around 10 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year, with 6,000 storage systems (41 MWh) newly installed. Switzerland also experienced rapid developments, with an increase in the storage system market of 39 percent (18 MWh) in 2020. Both countries established governmental incentive programs and created favorable political framework conditions. Further price reduction and more installations For the next few years, analysts predict that prices are going to keep falling. By 2030, the price for lithium-ion batteries is expected to reach more than half of what it is today. Conversely, currently rising prices for photovoltaic installations and residential battery storage systems are considered a temporary trend. With supply chains being adjusted, SolarPower Europe expects the situation to calm down again by the second half of 2022, with market growth picking up again. It remains to be seen to what extent the Ukraine war will have an impact on the recovery of supply chains. Accordingly, 2022 promises to be an exciting year for suppliers and manufacturers of battery storage systems, as well as for installers and users of photovoltaic and electricity storage systems. Industry meeting point: ees Europe 2022 and related specialist conferences ees Europe, which will take place from May 11–13, 2022, at Messe München as part of The smarter E Europe, provides an overview of trends and technology, markets and market participants. As Europe`s largest and most international exhibition for batteries and energy storage systems, ees Europe 2022 and the accompanying ees Europe Conference will also focus on the exciting area of the storage system market for private homes, commercial and industrial enterprises. The ees Europe Conference takes place from May 10–11 at ICM – Internationales Congress Center München, one day before the start of the exhibition. Exhibitors ees Europe 2022 sonnen GmbH, B1.130 SENEC GmbH, B1.310 BYD Battery Box by EFT-Systems GmbH, B1.420, B1.520 E3/DC (HagerEnergy), B1.240 LG Energy Solution, B1.410 Alpha ESS, B1.150 Varta Storage GmbH, B1.210  RCT Power GmbH, B1.220 ees Europe Conference 2022: May 10, 2022 11.30 – 13.00 in room 11: Residential Solar+Storage Aggregation for Gridservices (Joint Session EM-Power, ees Europe and Intersolar) May 10, 2022, 14:30 – 16:00 room 13 B: Quo Vadis:Electrical Energy Storage for Residential PV Systems (JointSession with Intersolar Europe) May 11, 2022, 14:00 – 15:30, room 13 B: Potential Gamechangers: Innovation in Battery Technologies

Two wells return high grade lithium results. Lithium South Development Corporation (the [Company") (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) provide results from the ongoing drill campaign at the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project (HMN Li Project) in Salta Province, Argentina. The Company is reporting results from two completed wells. Two rigs are operating on site, and the program has been expanded to include an additional hole for a total of four core wells. The current exploration is located within the Alba Sabrina claim block. The claim block is comprised of 2,089 hectares and is the largest of the 3,287-hectare salar located claim package. The newly revised drill plan (see enclosed map) has four holes located north to south, identified as AS01 (completed), AS02 (completed), AS03 (completed) and AS04 now drilling, along a six-kilometer section. Results have now been received from Alex Stewart Laboratories of Mendoza, Argentina, an ISO Certified laboratory. Hole AS01 was completed to 299 m depth. Seven double packer samples were acquired from AS01 using industry best practices, and under the supervision of Dr. Mark King, a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Lithium results range from 693 mg/L to 744 mg/L, for a hole average of 722 mg/L lithium. The zone of interest from the interpreted lithology is determined to exceed 240 m. South of hole AS01, hole AS03 has been completed to a depth of 216 m. Five double packer samples were acquired from AS03. Thus far, the Company has received two results of the five samples acquired. One returned 749 mg/L Li and one returned 752 mg/L Li. Three assays are pending. The zone of interest from the interpreted lithology is determined to exceed 140 m. All completed holes have encountered zones of potentially significant porosity that include fine to medium grained sands and porous breccia. Porosity testing will be completed at Daniel B. Stevens Laboratory located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Hole AS04 was the first hole completed with results announced on August 10, 2022. The overall average of the three wells sampled to date is 734 mg/L Li. Site preparation work is underway to locate four control wells to the west of the current drilling, to define the west boundary of the salar. In addition, Hole AS02 will be located between AS01 and AS03, for in-filling in the high-grade zone. Adrian F. C. Hobkirk, Company President and Chief Executive Officer is quoted: We are very encouraged with the exceptional results from the drilling completed to date. [We are making excellent progress towards expanding the total resource at the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project." About Lithium South The Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project is at an advanced stage of evaluation, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment completed in April 2019. Lithium South is the 100% owner of the HMN Li Project and expects to expand the known resource with its current drill program. Preliminary results support this expectation. Additional project work including permitting, environmental studies and process test work is ongoing. The Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project is adjacent to a US$4 billion lithium mine under development by the Korean multinational corporation POSCO, which acquired their holdings from Galaxy Resources Ltd. for US$280 million. Livent Corporation is producing lithium to the south of the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project and has actively operated there for over twenty-five years. The technical and scientific information in this press release was reviewed by Dr. Mark King, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Dr. King participated in the preparation of this news release AND APPROVES ITS CONTENT. Hole AS01 seven samples range from 693 mg/L Li to 744 mg/L Li Hole AS01 hole lithium average is 722 mg/L Li Hole AS01 brine zone is defined across a 240 m zone Hole AS03 five samples collected with two assays received Hole AS03 two assays 749 mg/L Li and 752 mg/L Li Hole AS03 hole lithium average is 751 mg/L Li[` Hole AS03 brine zone is defined across a 140 m zone Drilling will begin on newly added hole AS02

Solid-state NASA battery beats the Model Y 4680 pack at energy density by stacking all cells in one case. NASA has achieved a breakthrough in its solid-state battery research aimed at electricity-powered transportation. NASA`s solid-state battery stacks all of its cells in one casing, reducing weight and increasing the energy density twice compared to that of Li-ion batteries in the typical electric car. NASA`s Solid-state Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability and Safety (SABERS) project has reached a research milestone, announced the agency. After a few years of experiments and university partnerships, NASA`s solid-state battery has hit the whopping 500 Wh/kg energy density, double that of the typical electric car, allowing it to propel electric planes even. In fact, NASA has been doing the solid-state battery research precisely as part of its Convergent Aeronautics Solutions project for sustainable aviation. In the process, NASA managed to discover a novel packing method for solid-state cells that reduces the battery weight by 30-40% and doubles its energy density compared to the current liquid Li-ion batteries in most electric cars. For comparison, Tesla`s 4680 batteries in the Model Y boast sub-300 Wh/kg energy density, while CATL`s upcoming M3P phosphate packs for the standard range Model Y are rated at 160 Wh/kg. SABERS`s battery eschews individual packaging and stacks all solid-state cells on top of one another within one single case. Not only is this design much lighter and energy-dense than current EV batteries, but it also exhibits the inherent endurance of solid-state packs. NASA`s tests of the new solid-state battery found that it can withstand temperatures twice higher than what current Li-ion batteries in electric vehicles are able to endure before bursting into flames. This makes it suitable for use on planes and the NASA team is testing its solid-state battery for continued performance at even higher pressures and temperatures. Improved battery safety is a very important advantage of the solid-state technology as the recent Hurricane Ian devastation demonstrated. After all, putting out Teslas which caught on fire during the floods, and whose flaming battery packs couldn`t be easily extinguished, turned out to be a major new headache for the disaster recovery crews.

Sweden becomes electric car battery and green tech hub, A New Silicon Valley Emerges at the Arctic Circle. Dozens of Swedish startups are working on clean-energy mobility, creating what some call [Sustainability Valley." Just below the Arctic Circle, a vast factory owned by Northvolt AB churns out electric-vehicle batteries for Europe`s biggest automakers. On Sweden`s west coast, four-year-old Heart Aerospace AB is building an electric plane ordered by United Airlines and Air Canada. And in Stockholm, startup X Shore AB has developed a $99,000 battery-powered vessel it says heralds a [Tesla moment" for leisure boating. These companies and dozens more make Sweden a thriving hub for innovations in greener transportation, with the most tech investment per capita in Europe. A skilled workforce, abundant investment capital for climate projects, and ample supplies of renewable energy have helped the country of 10 million become a leader in clean-technology startups. Anders Forslund, Heart`s chief executive officer, said: A couple of years ago we only had legacy companies. [Now we have an ecosystem of startups pushing the established companies forward." Heart, which counts a Bill Gates-backed fund among its investors, plans to set up a factory at an airfield near Gothenburg. It has more than 230 orders from three airlines for a 30-seat, battery-powered aircraft that it aims to start delivering by 2028. H2 Green Steel in July won a permit to build a $4 billion mill using renewable electricity in the northern city of Boden, part of a push to decarbonize one of the most energy-intensive industries. Einride AB is developing electric trucks near Gothenburg for vegan milk producer Oatly Group AB. In June, Einride-backed by Soros Fund Management-got regulatory approval to test a driverless delivery vehicle on public roads in the US. Christian Levin, CEO of truckmaker Scania, which is pushing to electrify its lineup, said: Sweden is becoming a Silicon Valley for sustainable solutions. [We no longer need to run to Asia." The biggest of the newcomers is Northvolt, which is giving Europe its best chance to break the dominance of battery suppliers such as China`s CATL, Japan`s Panasonic, and LG Chem from South Korea. Since its founding six years ago by a pair of former Tesla Inc. executives, Northvolt has raised almost $8 billion from dozens of investors including Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Volkswagen AG. It`s signed contracts valued at $55 billion with leading automakers, and in May it started commercial shipments from its factory in Skelleftea. By 2026, Northvolt expects to have 4,000 employees at the site making enough cells annually to power 1 million cars, and it`s got two more factories in the works, one near Gothenburg and one in northern Germany. One obstacle to Sweden`s ambitions will be energy. The bulk of its vast hydro and wind resources are in the north, and its grid has trouble moving power to population centers in the south, concerns that could be aggravated as more startup factories seek carbon-free electricity. And the country`s high environmental standards as well as frequent local opposition mean securing permits for new wind farms can take years. But those concerns will likely ease as the government works toward a goal of generating all its electricity from renewables by the end of the next decade and to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Startups are benefiting from a vibrant ecosystem of successful entrepreneurs and industrialists betting on cleantech. Retailer Ikea has invested in Northvolt. Daniel Ek, founder and CEO of Spotify Technology SA, is backing Northvolt, steelmaker H2, and several other companies. And the billionaire Wallenberg family, which has shaped Swedish business life for 150 years, has stakes in Einride, Heart Aerospace, and more via various investment funds. Ted Persson, a partner at EQT Ventures, a venture capital firm affiliated with the family, said: You start off with an investment. [Then it starts to go well. Then you do more. And then suddenly you have a strategy around it." [It becomes a positive loop." Sweden`s success is helping drive growth in neighboring countries. Norway`s Freyr Battery SA is building a cell factory in sub-Arctic Mo i Rana and is considering plants in Finland and the US. In Iceland, Carbfix injects carbon dioxide deep underground, where it turns into stone. And Denmark`s Everfuel A/S is setting up a network of green hydrogen-fueling stations across the region. Consulting firm McKinsey & Co. says the Nordic countries, which represent just 2% of global gross domestic product, are home to 12% of what it calls the planet`s 100 [most sustainable" companies and that such businesses could create 1 million jobs in the region by 2050.

Automakers to double spending on EV, batteries to $1.2 trillion by 2030. The world`s top automakers are planning to spend nearly $1.2 trillion through 2030 to develop and produce millions of electric vehicles, along with the batteries and raw materials to support that production, according to a Reuters analysis of public data and projections released by those companies. The EV investment figure, which has not previously been published, dwarfs previous investment esti To put the figure in context, Alphabet (GOOGL.O), the parent company of Google and Waymo, has a market cap of $1.3 trillion. Automakers have forecast plans to build 54 million battery electric vehicles in 2030, representing more than 50% of total vehicle production, according to the analysis. To support that unprecedented level of EVs, carmakers and their battery partners are planning to install 5.8 terawatt-hours of battery production capacity by 2030, according to data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence and the manufacturers. Leading the charge is Tesla (TSLA.O), where Chief Executive Elon Musk has outlined an audacious plan to build 20 million EVs in 2030, requiring an estimated 3 terawatt-hours of batteries. Musk in late October said Tesla already is working on a smaller vehicle platform targeted to cost half as much as the Model 3 and Model Y. While Tesla has not fully disclosed its spending plans, such exponential growth – a 13-fold increase over the estimated 1.5 million vehicles it hopes to sell this year – will come at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars, according to a Reuters analysis of Tesla`s financial disclosures and forecasts for global EV demand, and battery and battery mineral production. Germany`s Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), while lagging behind Tesla, has ambitious plans through the end of the decade, targeting well over $100 billion to build out its global EV portfolio, add new battery [gigafactories" in Europe and North America and lock up supplies of key raw materials. Japan`s Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) is investing $70 billion to electrify vehicles and produce more batteries, and expects to sell at least 3.5 million battery electric models (BEVs) in 2030. It plans at least 30 different BEVs and expects to transition the entire Lexus range to battery electric over that span. Ford Motor Co (F.N) keeps boosting its spending level on new EVs – now at $50 billion – and at least 240 gigawatt-hours of battery capacity with its partners as it aims to produce around 3 million BEVs in 2030 – half its total volume. Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE) has earmarked at least $47 billion for EV development and production, nearly two-thirds of that to boost its global battery capacity with partners to more than 200 gigawatt-hours. BMW (BMWG.DE), Stellantis (STLA.MI) and General Motors (GM.N) each plan to spend at least $35 billion on EVs and batteries, with Stellantis laying out the most aggressive battery program: A planned 400 gigawatt-hours of capacity with partners by 2030, including four plants in North America. mates by Reuters and is more than twice the most recent calculation published just a year ago.

China`s CATL slows battery investment plan for US, Mexico. Chinese battery giant CATL (300750.SZ) has slowed its planning for investment in battery plants in North America on concern that new U.S. rules on sourcing battery materials will drive costs higher, two people with knowledge of the matter said. The world`s largest battery maker, which supplies one of every three electric vehicles, has been considering opening new plants in the United States and Mexico since earlier this year, Reuters reported previously. The planned investment in northern Mexico, South Carolina or Kentucky would be part of an expansion for CATL beyond China, where it controls almost half of the battery market, and serve major automakers who are customers, including Ford (F.N) and BMW (BMWG.DE), people with knowledge of the process have said. But CATL executives have slowed the process of vetting sites for potential new plants in North America since late August when the United States imposed tough new restrictions on the sourcing of material used in EV batteries, two people, who spoke on condition they not be named, told Reuters. CATL did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Executives from Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), BMW, and Hyundai (005380.KS) have urged U.S. legislators to give automakers operating in the United States more time to meet the required battery sourcing targets to qualify for tax incentives. But the shift by CATL represents the first known example of an automaker or major supplier rethinking an investment because of the new law, known as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who was central to drafting the law, has said it was intended to drive companies to mine and process materials for batteries in North America and break the industry`s reliance on China. The IRA requires automakers to have 50% of critical minerals used in EV batteries sourced from North America or U.S. allies by 2024, rising to 80% by the end of 2026. CATL sees North America as a crucial market, the two people with knowledge of its planning said. But the new U.S. rules on sourcing battery materials had become a [banana peel" that have slowed the company`s investment plans, one said. The rules would hike the costs of manufacturing batteries in the United States to a level higher than shipping them from China even if the U.S. government offers subsidies for CATL to build the plants, said a third person, who also asked not to be identified. It was not immediately clear how much of a delay CATL was considering in any North American expansion or whether it could make other adjustments to its approach to narrow the cost gap. China, led by CATL, dominates the EV battery supply chain, producing about 70% of battery cells made globally. It also has a dominant position in refining key materials including cobalt and manganese. BMW announced a $1.7 billion investment to build EVs and high-voltage batteries in South Carolina. At the event to announce the investment, Zipse was critical of the new sourcing requirements, saying the [United States should have a regulation that is not entirely unrealistic." Envision AESC, a Chinese renewable energy group that acquired a Nissan Motor Co Ltd (7201.T) battery supplier already operating in the United States, will build a new battery plant in South Carolina to supply BMW, the companies said. [We are not unduly concerned," Envision said in a statement when asked about the company`s view of the battery sourcing requirements. Hyundai Motor Co, which is set to break ground next week on a $5.5 billion EV plant in Georgia, also wants U.S. legislators to offer companies investing in the United States some type of waiver or a longer transition period. Signed into law in August by U.S. President Joe Biden, the IRA contains incentives designed to help meet his administration`s goals of halving U.S. carbon emissions by 2030 and getting to net-zero emissions by 2050. Under the $430 billion law, rules governing the current $7,500 EV tax credit aimed at persuading consumers to buy the vehicles will be replaced by incentives designed to bring more battery and EV manufacturing into the United States. The U.S. Treasury is currently taking comments on how to implement the rules around the EV tax credits.

LG Energy Solution partners with Syrah to expand critical mineral portfolio in North America. LG Energy Solution (LGES; KRX: 373220) announced it signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 19 with Syrah Resources Limited (Syrah; ASX:SYR) on partnering to evaluate natural graphite anode material. Under the terms of the MoU, LGES and Syrah will test and verify the natural graphite from Syrah`s Vidalia production facility in Louisiana, U.S., which is scheduled to start production in 2023. Through the testing and verification procedures, the companies will ensure that the products satisfy LGES`s technical requirements for natural graphite, and commit efforts to determine the final product specifications by the end of 2023. Based on the results of the evaluation, LGES and Syrah will also use commercially reasonable efforts to sign a binding offtake agreement by the end of 2022. The annual procurement targets for natural graphite will begin at 2,000 metric tons in 2025 and continuously increase in the upcoming years. Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution, said: Our partnership with Syrah demonstrates our devotion to diversifying the critical minerals portfolio by directly procuring from local and regional suppliers in North America, more so as natural graphite is one of the battery materials with the least diverse supply chain. [As we aim to not only expand our customer base but also increase our production capacity in North America, securing a competitive local supply chain for key critical minerals will play a crucial role in ensuring a stable delivery of the world-best quality products to our customers." Shaun Verner, Managing Director and CEO of Syrah, said: Syrah is pleased to sign an MoU with LG Energy Solution as a key step toward the supply of anode materials and supportive of the further development of our Vidalia production facility. [LG Energy Solution is a tier 1 global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries and their rapidly expanding manufacturing position in the USA is aligned with Syrah`s growth plans." The non-binding MoU with Syrah marks the sixth partnership agreement LGES has signed under its mission to secure key raw materials for EV battery production in North America. Prior to this MoU, LGES has signed non-binding MoUs with Compass Minerals on lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, and with Avalon Advanced Materials and Snow Lake Resources on lithium hydroxide. LGES has also signed binding term sheets with Sigma Lithium (battery-grade lithium) and Electra Battery Materials Corporation (cobalt sulfate). Highlights: LGES diversifies its supply chain of natural graphite, one of key battery materials with the least diverse supply chain The company continues to boost competitiveness and stability of its critical mineral supply chain in North America through a series of partnerships

The Top 10 EV Battery Manufacturers in 2022. The global electric vehicle (EV) battery market is expected to grow from $17 billion to more than $95 billion between 2019 and 2028. With increasing demand to decarbonize the transportation sector, companies producing the batteries that power EVs have seen substantial momentum. Here we update our previous graphic of the top 10 EV battery manufacturers, bringing you the world`s biggest battery manufacturers in 2022. Chinese Dominance Despite efforts from the United States and Europe to increase the domestic production of batteries, the market is still dominated by Asian suppliers. The top 10 producers are all Asian companies. Currently, Chinese companies make up 56% of the EV battery market, followed by Korean companies (26%) and Japanese manufacturers (10%). The leading battery supplier, CATL, expanded its market share from 32% in 2021 to 34% in 2022. One-third of the world`s EV batteries come from the Chinese company. CATL provides lithium-ion batteries to Tesla, Peugeot, Hyundai, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Despite facing strict scrutiny after EV battery-fire recalls in the United States, LG Energy Solution remains the second-biggest battery manufacturer. In 2021, the South Korean supplier agreed to reimburse General Motors $1.9 billion to cover the 143,000 Chevy Bolt EVs recalled due to fire risks from faulty batteries. BYD took the third spot from Panasonic as it nearly doubled its market share over the last year. The Warren Buffett-backed company is the world`s third-largest automaker by market cap, but it also produces batteries sold in markets around the world. Recent sales figures point to BYD overtaking LG Energy Solution in market share the coming months or years. The Age of Battery Power Electric vehicles are here to stay, while internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are set to fade away in the coming decades. Recently, General Motors announced that it aims to stop selling ICE vehicles by 2035, while Audi plans to stop producing such models by 2033. Besides EVs, battery technology is essential for the energy transition, providing storage capacity for intermittent solar and wind generation. As battery makers work to supply the EV transition`s increasing demand and improve energy density in their products, we can expect more interesting developments within this industry.