News: UK Electric Car Batteries and Carbon Reduction

Cornish Lithium’s UK sourced raw materials for electric car batteries and its wider role in carbon reduction.

Every nation is striving to reduce its reliance on energy imports from potentially unstable or hostile markets, whether that means Chinese-made batteries or Russian oil. This drive is motivated by concerns over both economic security and environmental sustainability. Reducing global transportation of goods significantly lowers the carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

This brings us to Cornwall, a region famous for its scenic beaches and iconic pasties, but also increasingly recognized for its rich deposits of lithium. Lithium, often called the new “white gold,” is essential for manufacturing batteries used in electric vehicles and electronic devices. Lithium can be extracted in two primary ways: mining it from hard rock or harvesting it from the brine found deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Cornish Lithium, a pioneering company in the UK, is exploring both methods with notable success.

Meeting the UK’s Lithium Needs

According to the Faraday Institution, the UK will require approximately 100 kilotons per annum (ktpa) of lithium-carbon-equivalent (LCE) by 2030 to support its growing battery industry. Cornish Lithium aims to contribute significantly to this demand, with a target production rate of 25 ktpa by 2030—fulfilling about 25% of the national requirement. The company estimates that, combined with other lithium projects in the UK, domestic production could meet up to half of the country’s needs within the next five years.

Local Production, Lower Carbon Footprints

One of Cornish Lithium’s key advantages is its ability to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide on-site, eliminating the need for additional processing overseas. This streamlined approach minimizes carbon emissions associated with transportation. Additionally, if the UK establishes a local cathode active materials (CAM) manufacturing facility, the supply chain could become even more localized, reducing the carbon footprint of electric vehicle production.

Cornish Lithium also prioritizes sustainability by analysing the environmental impacts of both extraction methods. Initial findings suggest that extracting lithium from geothermal waters has a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional mining. This method also offers the potential to harness geothermal heat energy, which can be used to decarbonize local businesses and residential heating systems.

Supportive Policies and Challenges Ahead

The UK’s progress in lithium extraction and battery manufacturing has been facilitated by bipartisan government support for research and development. This commitment reflects the growing recognition that domestic energy production is vital for economic and environmental resilience.

However, for consumers, understanding the complexities of electric vehicles (EVs) and their supply chains can be daunting. High upfront costs and technical jargon often discourage potential buyers. Simplifying these narratives and communicating the environmental benefits in accessible terms is essential. Car manufacturers have a responsibility to make this information clear, ensuring consumers understand how their choices contribute to a greener future. After all, making sustainable decisions shouldn’t require an advanced degree in chemistry.