Posted on 30 Mar 2022
UK battery start-up Britishvolt is moving to secure nickel supply from Indonesia through a joint venture with VKTR, a new arm of Bakrie Autoparts, Kallanish reports.
The cooperation intends to cover the supply of low-carbon nickel sulphate to Britishvolt’s pioneer gigafactory in the UK, and potentially develop Indonesian battery production. VKTR would rely on Britishvolt’s battery technology expertise to build a 15-gigawatt-hour plant in the Southeast Asian country.
In a MOU announcement on Tuesday, Britishvolt confirmed further details on the supply deal, such as tonnage and timing, should be revealed within the next five months. The companies will also launch a study to look at the potential to develop battery manufacturing both in Indonesia and “other locations.”
“Indonesia has enormous, unprecedented potential that will see global investment flow into the country as it aims to become a leader on the international battery stage,” comments ceo Orral Nadjari.
The world’s largest nickel producer is focused on becoming a global EV hub, rather than just a raw material supplier. It’s understood that the UK and Indonesian governments are also discussing cooperation in the areas of EVs and offshore wind.
The strategic partnership between the countries and the companies will have an ESG focus, with Britishvolt pledging to get the carbon content of its battery production to 25 kilograms/kilowatt-hour, compared to a global average of 93 kg/KWh.
VKTR has access to nickel metal supply, nickel sulphate conversion, and has recently deployed electric buses in Indonesia. It’s building an integrated EV battery ecosystem in the country, and through this partnership, is expected to increase nickel refining capacity and add value to the existing supply chain in Indonesia.
Once fully operational, Britishvolt’s plant in the UK will have a capacity of over 38 GWh, producing enough cells for over 300,000 EVs per year. The first out of four development phases is set to start in late 2023.
Source:Kallanish
