North America’s First Sustainable Lithium Battery Supply Chain

Aqua Metals and 6K Energy Establish North America’s Inaugural Sustainable Circular Supply Chain for Battery Minerals

Introduction

This report highlights the strategic supply agreement between Aqua Metals and 6K Energy, which aims to create North America’s first sustainable circular supply chain for essential battery minerals. The partnership focuses on utilizing sustainably recycled battery materials and producing cathode active material (CAM) with minimal carbon footprint.

Supply Agreement Details

Aqua Metals will provide sustainably recycled battery materials from its Sierra ARC facility in Reno, Nevada. These materials will be used by 6K Energy at its PlusCAM facility in Jackson, Tennessee to produce CAM. The partnership aims to enhance North American battery manufacturing capabilities, comply with domestic content incentives, strengthen supply chains, and reduce carbon emissions. The estimated annual value of this initiative is expected to exceed $50 million.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

This partnership demonstrates the economic and environmental advantages of closed-loop recycling for battery metals. It positions the United States as a leader in sustainable battery production. Aqua Metals will supply recycled critical minerals to fulfill 30% of the nickel and lithium carbonate requirements for 6K Energy’s PlusCAM facility. The PlusCAM facility, set to open in Q4 2024, will be a sustainable production site for CAM, incorporating zero hazardous waste, a 90% reduction in water usage, decreased energy consumption, and significantly reduced carbon emissions.

Unique Approach to CAM Production

6K Energy’s proprietary microwave plasma technology process prioritizes environmental responsibility and cost efficiency. This approach incorporates sustainably recycled metals into the production of advanced battery materials, setting a new standard in eco-efficient manufacturing technologies.

Establishing a Sustainable Supply Chain

As the U.S. aims to expand its lithium battery manufacturing capacity, this partnership between Aqua Metals and 6K Energy establishes North America’s only sustainable closed-loop supply chain for critical battery materials. The collaboration addresses the urgent need for recycling manufacturing scrap and end-of-life batteries, ensuring a sustainable, resilient, and economically sound battery manufacturing landscape in the U.S.

Adoption of Electrified Processes

Aqua Metals and 6K Energy have adopted electrified processes that operate on clean energy, paving the way for future net-zero operations. This partnership eliminates the production of sodium sulfate waste, a common byproduct of traditional cathode production and recycling methods. By responding to the demand for sustainable battery materials and promoting closed-loop processes, Aqua Metals and 6K Energy are actively shaping a future where sustainability is the norm.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
   • Indicator: Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
   • Indicator: Investment in research and development (R&D) as a proportion of GDP

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
   • Indicator: Material footprint per capita

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Indicator: Number of countries with integrated climate change plans

5. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests
   • Indicator: Forest area as a proportion of total land area

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix (Indicator for Target 7.2)
• Investment in research and development (R&D) as a proportion of GDP (Indicator for Target 9.4)
• Material footprint per capita (Indicator for Target 12.2)
• Number of countries with integrated climate change plans (Indicator for Target 13.2)
• Forest area as a proportion of total land area (Indicator for Target 15.2)

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: environmentenergyleader.com

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