The Spanish subsidiary of Infinity Lithium Corporation Ltd (ASX:INF), Extremadura New Energies, has received ‘strategic’ qualification for its battery training and development programs from the Regional Government of Extremadura.
The declaration recognises the importance of these programs for the region and acknowledges their potential impact on employment opportunities and the growth of the industry in the region.
Public funding for training
The Extremadura Public Employment Service (SEXPE), a division of the Regional Government of Extremadura, will provide grants through public funding to support the advancement of these initiatives in the coming months.
“The SEXPE decision recognises Extremadura New Energies’ business project as of special interest for the region of Extremadura and as the only one carrying out technical training plans in lithium technology,” Extremadura New Energies CEO Ramón Jiménez said.
“The funds committed to the programs reinforce our commitment with the city and the citizens of Cáceres.
“Through the progression of San José, we are facilitating generational opportunities which align our increased efforts in training future workers for our project through launching the second edition of the established courses.
“We will continue to collaborate with local and regional stakeholders to ensure the benefits of this world-class project are in concert with the people.”
This commitment represents the first grant awarded by the Regional Government of Extremadura specifically for the San José Lithium Project, a significant project undertaken by Extremadura New Energies.
The resolution issued by SEXPE also acknowledges the unique value of Extremadura New Energies' business project and its potential to create employment opportunities and foster the development of the industry in Extremadura.
SEXPE acknowledges that Extremadura New Energies, in collaboration with EIT InnoEnergy, is the only organisation successfully implementing technical training plans in lithium technology within the region.
The training and development programs offered by Extremadura New Energies were established through the European Battery Alliance EBA250 Battery Academy.
Community consultation
As part of the agreement between Extremadura New Energies and the European Battery Alliance, extensive consultations were conducted with local businesses, industries and community groups to ensure the courses align with the needs of the region.
“We are really proud to lead with the development career pathways and the progression of new industries for the region against the backdrop of the inevitable rapid evolution to e-mobility,” Jimenez said.
Infinity and Extremadura New Energies have previously announced their commitment to provide training and development courses to the local community of Cáceres and the broader region of Extremadura.
Collaborations have been established with institutions such as Círculo Empresarial Cacerño and Cáceres Chamber of Commerce, which the company says underscores dedication to fostering local talent and supporting the region's economic growth.
The grant funding awarded by the Regional Government of Extremadura will strengthen Extremadura New Energies' training programs, allowing them to expand their impact and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in the field of lithium technology.
This support marks a significant milestone in the progression of the San José Lithium Project and reinforces the commitment of Infinity and Extremadura New Energies to the region of Extremadura.