TAIPEI, September 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Northern Territory government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwanese company Aleees and perth-based Avenira Ltd to develop and operate the Territory’s first battery cathode manufacturing plant in Darwin.
The facility represents a significant economic and strategic opportunity for the Northern Territory and will produce cathode material for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
It is estimated that the project will initially create 100 jobs, grow to 1000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion of revenue per year once scaled to full production.
The lithium cathode material is a critical active material used in an electric vehicle battery or energy storage battery that determines the battery’s capacity, safety and durability.
The MoU sets out how the Territorial Government, Aleees and Avenira will work together to reach a final investment decision for a pilot plant, with FID expected in early 2023.
The Government will also proactively work with Aleees Group, Avenira and their supply chain partners to find a suitable site in Darwin for the facility.
After commissioning, the pilot plant will produce up to 10,000 tons of cathode material for lithium iron phosphate batteries per year.
The MoU also supports the development of a production facility with a capacity of up to 200,000 tonnes per year, to be built in phases at Darwin over the next 10 years. The main plant will source exclusively phosphoric acid from the Wonarah phosphate project in Barkly.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
“Today’s announcement is a significant economic and strategic opportunity for the Northern Territory.
“Increasing demand and the transition to renewable energy, battery storage and the use of high-tech products have led global companies to seek diversified, reliable and stable supply chains.
“The project will position the territory as Australia’s next home for advanced manufacturing, new…
