AGL and Renewable Metals, a battery recycling start-up, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to undertake a feasibility study to determine the potential for developing a lithium-ion battery recycling facility at AGL’s proposed Hunter Energy Hub in New South Wales.
The pre-feasibility study will outline key indicative project infrastructure and engineering requirements and identify regulatory approvals and licences necessary for the development, construction, and operation of the project.
This potential battery recycling facility has a planned capacity of 5,000t per year, and could recycle a wide range of lithium-ion battery types, from grid storage batteries to electric vehicle modules to battery cells in consumer electronic products such as laptops.
AGL General Manager Energy Hubs, Travis Hughes, said that this is an example of the type of partnerships AGL is exploring developing as it transitions its thermal sites into integrated energy hubs.
“Our current strategy is to transition the Liddell and Bayswater sites into the Hunter Energy Hub, by bringing renewable energy generation and associated industries to those sites,” Mr Hughes said.
“The reuse of critical minerals through battery recycling will be an important part of the energy transition. This potential facility could recycle batteries from electric vehicles to grid scale storage and is aligned with how we are thinking about bringing partners to our energy hubs who share our approach to minimising the environmental impact of the transition.”
Renewable Metals CEO, Luan Atkinson, said that Renewable Metals is excited to be working with the AGL to further its vision to close the loop in the battery value chain.
“We’re looking forward to actively contributing to the transformation of the Hunter region into a renewable energy powerhouse. The potential facility could not only help us achieve our environmental goals but could also create valuable job opportunities and stimulate economic growth within the community.”
