Panasonic Energy and CSIRO collaboration aims to develop new nickel recovery methods
Global battery technology specialist Panasonic Energy is joining forces with Australia’s national science agency CSIRO to initiate studies into new recovery methods to benefit lithium-ion battery developments.
A major portion (69%) of Australia’s nickel resources occurs as oxides in laterite deposits and, with the nation’s nickel industry battling against major oversupply and a dramatic reduction in prices, the creation of a new market is considered a significant development.
The joint agreement will cover the development of new processing technologies for recovering nickel, globally considered an essential raw material in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.
Low-cost supply
The aim of the partnership is to develop the utilisation of Australian nickel laterite resources and create a low-cost, low-environmental impact raw material and supply chain.
The collaboration leverages CSIRO’s expertise in mineral processing and Panasonic Energy’s extensive knowledge of battery materials.
The partners said the goal is to strengthen Australia’s nickel industry and secure high-quality nickel resources to meet the global demands of future battery production.
Critical mineral focus
CSIRO is playing an increasing role in research and technological development related to Australia’s critical minerals.
The science body said that, while countries like Indonesia lead in nickel production, Australia boasts the world’s second-largest reserves of the mineral and therefore has the potential to become a key player in its production as a crucial cathode material, especially for high-capacity batteries, using eco-friendly processes.
Panasonic Energy was established in April 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system and provides innovative battery technology-based products and solutions.
Kansas battery plant
The partnership is one of numerous global battery-related agreements Panasonic Energy has signed recently.
Earlier this month, it inked an agreement aimed at promoting the development of next-generation technologies and the cultivation of specialist expertise in the field of lithium-ion batteries.
The University of Kansas is a flagship university in the US state of Kansas, where Panasonic Energy is currently constructing its second North American factory, which constitutes a crucial part of Panasonic Energy’s strategy to boost its electric vehicle battery production capacity in North America.
The factory is expected to commence production by the end of March 2025 and will have an annual production capacity of approximately 30 gigawatt-hours.