Can the Democratic Republic of the Congo produce lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials?

London and Kinshasa, November 24, 2021 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can leverage its abundant cobalt resources and hydroelectric power to become a low-cost and low-emissions producer of lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials.

What is Tesla's Powerwall battery?

Tesla's lithium-ion Powerwall battery, an in-home device which allows the local storage of solar energy for later use, was launched this April by CEO Elon Musk. The product has proven popular in the USA, with over 50,000 units pre-ordered in its first few weeks.

Why does the DRC rely on hydroelectric power plants?

This is due to the DRC’s proximity to cathode raw materials and heavy reliance on hydroelectric power plants.

How much would a DRC plant cost?

This is three times cheaper than what a similar plant in the U.S. would cost. A similar plant in China and Poland would cost an estimated $112 million and $65 million, respectively. Precursor material produced at plants in the DRC could be cost competitive with material produced in China and Poland but with a lower environmental footprint.

Will Tesla's Powerwall launch be a 'lithium Gold Rush'?

With a ‘lithium gold rush’ expected over the next few years, Phil Bulman warns that the eagerly anticipated planned launch into the UK market of the Powerwall solar energy storage device by Tesla later this year could face some considerable challenges.

Will Powerwall be a success in the UK?

The Powerwall lithium-ion battery is an innovative product with the potential to aid the increased pick-up of solar energy in the UK. If the product's popularity in the US is anything to go by, it is likely that its launch in Britain will garner a similar amount of success.