Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7, OTC:ESMAF) is upping its sustainability game with a move towards the production of greener battery-grade lithium carbonate at the proposed Becancour Lithium Refinery in Québec, Canada.
Green energy to power refinery
The company has officially applied for up to 18 MW of green electricity from Hydro-Québec, a renowned leader in renewable energy generation in North America.
This follows a comprehensive engineering study conducted by Hatch Engineering, which has finalised the power requirements for train 1 of the proposed refinery.
Last month, following a port study, the company chose Bécancour Port as the most efficient to import lithium-rich spodumene to supply the Bécancour Lithium Refinery.
The proposed refinery, which will rely on spodumene feed, may source this material from within Canada or external locations proximal to the Atlantic Ocean such as Brazil, Africa or even further abroad to Australia.
The proposed lithium refinery is within the Bécancour Waterfront Industrial Park (BWIP), specifically on Lot 22 of the Parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour in Bécancour, Québec.
Ideal location
As well as being right near the port – and therefore enjoying access to spodumene imports – the industrial park is at the crossroads of hydro-electrical distribution networks, meaning it has access to a stable, reliable and cost-effective source of hydroelectric power in Québec.
Hydro-Québec is a prominent player in renewable energy, generating just over 99% of its power from water sources.
This is all part of the company’s strategy to produce greener battery-grade lithium carbonate and follows an engineering study that confirmed the power requirement.
Accelerated development
The application process with Hydro-Quebec outlines the power needs for construction, commissioning, start-up and the gradual ramp-up to full production of the first 16,000 tonnes per annum battery-grade lithium carbonate train.
The company says this will close the North American lithium conversion processing gap.
Lithium Universe chair Iggy Tan said: "The strategic move to secure green electricity from Hydro-Québec marks a significant step in our lithium refinery project.
“Our emphasis on early work streams underscores our determination to accelerate the development process.
“We are committed to fast-tracking the development, ensuring the refinery becomes a reality in record time."