Will Russia build a lithium battery factory in 2025?

Russian nuclear energy giant Rosatom has acquired a 49% stake in Enertech International, a South Korean lithium-ion battery specialist, and has announced plans to build a gigafactory at an unspecified location in Russia. The start of production is scheduled for 2025.

Will Russia become the first country to produce lithium ion batteries?

It aims to become Russia’s first-ever domestic producer of lithium-bearing raw materials and eventually build full local production of lithium-ion batteries. The project was originally expected to reach full annual production capacity of 45,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate and hydroxide by 2030.

Does Russia import lithium?

It should be noted, though, that some of the imports are then exported in the form of other compounds. Russia’s internal demand for lithium is 400 to 700 metric tons. Lithium is used in the nuclear power industry, in energy storage systems, and in the production of slag-forming mixtures for ladles and lubricants for mining operations.

Where can lithium be mined in Russia?

“Accelerated development of lithium ore mining projects at the Zavitinskoye, Polmostundrovskoye, Kovyktinskoye, Yaraktinskoye and Kolmozerskoye deposits in 2023–2030 will help meet most of domestic demand for lithium,” says the Russian Metals Industry Development Strategy 2030 adopted last December. All of the mentioned sites are not easy to mine.

Will Russia produce a prototype battery by the middle of the year?

The move follows Russia’s claim last month that it will have produced prototype batteries by the middle of the year.

How much lithium does Russia need?

The Russian Government estimates the country’s needs at about 3,000 tons — this is how much of various metal compounds was imported in 2021. It should be noted, though, that some of the imports are then exported in the form of other compounds. Russia’s internal demand for lithium is 400 to 700 metric tons.