Why is Saudi Arabia planning a second lithium processing facility?

Saudi Arabia is planning a second lithium processing facility, as it steps up efforts to work with western partners to develop its battery supply chain. The facility, which will use feedstock mined in Austria to produce refined lithium hydroxide for BMW, is a sign of how supply chains to process the metal are slowly developing outside China.

Who is Saudi power procurement Company (SPPC)?

A Saudi Arabian entity that has been tasked with procuring electricity generation projects has commenced the process. Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) is licensed as the sole buyer of electrical energy. The government entity is soliciting bids for the development of four battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.

Will Saudi Arabia develop a lithium hydroxide plant in 2026?

Earlier this year Saudi Arabia signed an agreement with EV Metals, an Australian battery manufacturer, to develop a lithium hydroxide plant that will be in production in 2026. Lithium processing is highly energy intensive and Sage said Saudi Arabia was an attractive location for a processing facility because of its cheap energy.

How much will Saudi Arabia spend on energy projects in 2021?

Speaking in 2021, the Saudi government expects to spend $293 billion on power and energy projects by then. The biggest share of this revenue is expected to be spent on transmission upgrades and renewable energy. The implementation of the world’s largest battery energy system (BESS) project progresses as Saudi Arabia begins qualification tenders.

What does Prince Abdulaziz say about battery energy storage?

Last week, Prince Abdulaziz revealed that the Kingdom is seeking to establish significant battery energy storage capacity. It is part of the plan to strengthen and expand its electricity infrastructure. It also reduces the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. “We have already signed 26GWh of batteries and by 2030, we will be doing 48GWh,” he said.

Can Saudi Aramco extract lithium from oilfield brine?

Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company are teaming up to extract lithium from oilfield brine, as the Gulf states advance their move into electric vehicles production. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is dedicated to finding alternative sources of energy and is leaving oil in the ground.