By Akshay Kashyap
India is a rapidly developing country that is actively seeking ways to reduce its dependence on imported energy sources. Currently, the country relies heavily on imports of coal, oil, and gas, which account for nearly 80% of the country’s energy needs, which may prove expensive and challenging to obtain in the long run.
The government is actively looking for alternative energy sources to reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels and is investing in technologies that work with renewable energy sources. One of the most promising technologies driving change in the space of e-mobility solutions is the lithium-ion battery, an advanced battery technology that uses lithium ions as an essential component of its electrochemistry.
According to a Business as Usual (BAU) scenario report, the annual Li-ion battery demand is expected to increase at a CAGR of 41%, reaching 142 GWh, between 2021 and 2030. This lithium-ion batteries can provide a reliable source of energy for many applications, including home use; automotive applications; and industrial applications. The downside of lithium is that it is not readily available in nature. And thus, imports from foreign countries such as China, which controls a staggering 85% of global Li-ion battery raw material capacity, are necessary.
However, with the discovery of 5.9 million tons of lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir, India is on a path to self-sufficiency in producing its own lithium-ion batteries domestically. If fully mined and converted to battery grade Lithium can support up to 6 TWh of cell production.
This important discovery will be a significant boon as we will become true ‘Atmanirbhar’ while creating jobs, generating income, and advancing its e-mobility ambitions. India’s plan to increase EV penetration by 30% by 2030 relies heavily on lithium. Therefore, this important finding of GSI will help India get closer to its goal of net zero emissions by 2070 and increase the production of lithium-ion batteries.
Traditional procurement vs. Direct procurement
Currently, traditional lithium extraction occurs through a process known as leaching. This method involves soaking lithium-containing materials in water and using chemicals to remove the lithium from the material. This method is not only expensive, but can also cause environmental contamination.
To address these issues, lithium deposit mining companies are actively exploring new lithium extraction methods, including direct lithium extraction technology. This technology involves extracting lithium directly from the source material without chemical leaching.
Direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology is a process of extracting lithium ions directly from the surface of a mineral or brine deposit. This process involves an electrolytic cell that separates the ions from the ore or brine, allowing them to be collected and used in products. It uses a combination of selective leaching, solvent extraction, and ion exchange to selectively extract lithium from minerals with an average recovery rate of more than 98%. It is a more cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
The process also produces a cleaner end product. Therefore, it can be an important part of India’s effort to reduce import dependence by sourcing and producing its own lithium cells that leave a small carbon footprint. This is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to obtain lithium, and it will help India become more energy independent. In addition, the technology could help India’s economy by providing a source of domestically produced lithium, which could fuel the growing demand for energy.
Challenges in implementing DLE technology
DLE has been deployed in very few projects around the world. And scaling up DLE techniques from the lab to production is a challenge. Developing the necessary infrastructure for direct lithium technology is a challenge for India, as it requires a large investment of time, money, and resources. DLE technology requires expensive materials and sophisticated equipment, making it challenging to achieve cost effectiveness. The lack of standardization and regulation for lithium-based batteries may create difficulties in the implementation of DLE technology. In addition, finding and training skilled personnel to operate and maintain direct lithium technology is another challenge for the country.
India needs to invest in research and development to develop and produce the necessary components and materials for the DLE technology system. The country should also establish partnerships with industry stakeholders to facilitate the successful deployment of DLE technology. It includes collaboration with companies experienced in research and development of DLE, and those who are familiar with the components and materials needed for the system, then it will successfully strive towards the successful realization of these abundant natural resources.
The author is the Managing Director of Greenfuel Energy Solutions.
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