Green Lithium Refining and EDF’s Tees Green Hydrogen project partner to address the critical challenges in the European lithium chemicals market and contribute to the decarbonization of the battery and electric vehicle (EV) supply chains.
Currently, the global lithium refining industry is dominated by China, which poses several risks for the UK and EU, including supply security, price volatility, and volume uncertainty. These concerns have led the UK Government to highlight lithium as a key element in its Critical Minerals Strategy of 2022 and its subsequent Critical Minerals Refresh in 2023. As Europe looks to secure its supply chains, improving lithium refining processes becomes imperative.
The traditional lithium refining process relies heavily on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, resulting in significant carbon dioxide emissions. This high carbon footprint is a major contributor to the overall emissions associated with EV production. Green Lithium’s strategy to use green hydrogen as a feedstock gas in its Teesside refinery represents a pivotal shift towards reducing these emissions. The adoption of green hydrogen could lower the refinery’s emissions by up to 75% compared to international counterparts that still rely on fossil fuels.
Green Lithium’s Teesside refinery is set to become a cornerstone in Europe’s lithium supply chain, with an annual production capacity of over 50,000 tonnes of low-carbon, battery-grade lithium chemicals. This output is critical for meeting Europe’s burgeoning demand for lithium, necessary for producing over one million EVs annually. This contribution is particularly significant given the European market’s forecast to produce more than 15 million EVs by 2030.
EDF Renewables UK, in collaboration with Hynamics (a subsidiary of EDF Group), is leading the Tees Green Hydrogen project. This initiative aims to secure funding from the UK Government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (NZHF), which supports the commercial deployment of hydrogen production projects across the UK. Overseen by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, the NZHF is a crucial component of the UK’s broader decarbonization strategy.
The Tees Green Hydrogen project is expected to have a profound impact on local industry and transportation in Teesside. By supplying green hydrogen, the project will help local industries reduce their carbon footprints and achieve long-term sustainability. This aligns with broader efforts to decrease industrial pollution and support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
While the partnership between Green Lithium and EDF represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable lithium refining, it is essential to critically examine their achievements against industry benchmarks. The anticipated 75% reduction in emissions is a significant improvement, yet the scalability and economic viability of green hydrogen production remain key challenges. Furthermore, the reliance on governmental funding highlights the nascent stage of hydrogen technology and its dependence on policy support.
Comparatively, other regions such as China continue to dominate the lithium refining market with established infrastructure and economies of scale. The success of Green Lithium and EDF’s initiatives will depend on their ability to innovate and reduce costs while maintaining high environmental standards. Additionally, securing a stable supply of renewable energy for hydrogen production is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the Teesside refinery.
