Aethos Labs Weekly Energy Transition Newsletter │ December 9th - December 15th
Aethos Labs
Bringing you the world of insights for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.
Welcome to our Energy Transition newsletter, where we provide a comprehensive weekly update on the progress and innovations in sustainable energy, critical minerals, and the evolving landscape of energy storage solutions.
This week, we delve into groundbreaking advancements in battery technology and renewable energy projects, alongside strategic developments in securing critical minerals essential for the clean energy sector. We also cover significant investments and regulatory milestones that are pivotal in shaping the future of energy. Join us as we explore the key trends and developments that are driving the global transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy infrastructure.
This Week's Highlights
🤝 Volkswagen's PowerCo has partnered with Alterric and EnviTec Biogas AG to source 3 TWh of green electricity for its Salzgitter gigafactory, supporting its goal of 200 GWh annual battery cell production across facilities in Germany, Spain, and Canada.
⛏️ Pan American Energy has commenced a 2,000-meter drilling program at its Big Mack Lithium Property, focusing on high-grade lithium zones and evaluating cesium mineralization, marking progress in advancing the site's economic potential.
💰 Brazilian Nickel has secured a $550 million loan interest from the U.S. DFC for its Piauí Nickel project, covering 40% of financing. The project began production in 2022, targeting 27,000 tonnes of nickel and 900 tonnes of cobalt annually.
Market Updates
EDP Renewables Begins Construction of First Stand-Alone Battery Storage Project in Europe
December 10, 2024 | EDP Renewables has started building its first stand-alone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Kent, England. The Harrington Franklin project will feature a 50 MW/100 MWh capacity, enhancing grid flexibility and optimizing renewable energy usage in the UK. Expected to be operational by 2025, the project supports EDP’s global goal of surpassing 500 MW of storage capacity by 2026, with additional developments planned in Spain, Portugal, and the U.S.
Sionic Energy and Group14 Technologies Collaborate on 100% Silicon Battery Innovation
December 10, 2024 | Sionic Energy is leveraging Group14's SCC55™ material to fully replace graphite in a 100% silicon battery, achieving a 42% increase in energy density. The Silicon Battery Platform targets specific energy of 330 Wh/kg and energy densities of 842 Wh/L, with batteries tested for up to 1,200 cycles in 4Ah-10Ah cell formats. Plans for a 20Ah cell with 370 Wh/kg energy density are set for 2025, aiming to revolutionize lithium-ion batteries for sectors like transportation, consumer electronics, and aviation.
Stellantis and CATL to Invest EUR 4.1 Billion in LFP Battery Plant in Spain
December 10, 2024 | Stellantis and CATL have announced a joint investment of up to EUR 4.1 billion to build a large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Scheduled to begin production by late 2026 with a capacity of up to 50 GWh, the plant will support Stellantis' Dare Forward 2030 plan to produce affordable electric vehicles and achieve carbon net zero by 2038. The venture will bolster Stellantis' LFP offerings in Europe, facilitating the production of durable and cost-effective EVs across multiple segments.
Best Contracting Services Begins Construction on 264kW Microgrid with EV Charging in Gardena, CA
December 11, 2024 | Best Contracting Services has started construction on a 264kW microgrid at its Gardena, California headquarters, integrating advanced solar and energy storage systems. The microgrid will power 19 EV charging stations, providing clean energy for employees and visitors while generating an estimated 462.5 MWh annually and offsetting 425.5 metric tons of CO2. The project, expected to complete by Q1 2025, supports California’s green energy transition.
Volkswagen's PowerCo Secures 3 TWh of Renewable Energy for German Gigafactory
December 13, 2024 | Volkswagen's battery subsidiary, PowerCo, has signed agreements with Alterric and EnviTec Biogas AG to source 3 TWh of green electricity for its Salzgitter gigafactory in Germany. The factory is part of PowerCo's expansion into battery cell production, with plans to construct facilities totaling 200 GWh of capacity annually across Germany, Spain, and Canada.
Upstream Critical Minerals Project Advancements
Azimut Discovers Extensive Spodumene Pegmatite Field at Wabamisk Property in Quebec
December 9, 2024 | Azimut Exploration Inc. has identified a large spodumene pegmatite field, the "Lithos" target, on the Wabamisk Property in Quebec’s James Bay region. Surface sampling from a 4 km² area yielded grades up to 7.43% Li₂O from 86 rock samples. The pegmatites, part of a swarm with varying orientations and dips, remain open in all directions. Future work includes additional field studies in spring 2025, followed by potential diamond drilling. The Wabamisk Property is recognized for its lithium and gold potential, with continued exploration efforts in progress.
Canter Expands Columbus Lithium-Boron Project and Reports Record Boron Grades
December 10, 2024 | Canter Resources Corp. has acquired 2,224 acres of key central claims at the Columbus Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, increasing the project's area by 9 square kilometers. Phase II drilling has yielded record boron concentrations of up to 6,140 ppm, alongside lithium grades of 570 ppm in Phase II and up to 709 ppm in Phase I. These results emphasize the multi-commodity potential of the basin. Canter is finalizing a 3D model integrating 2024 assay data and geophysics to guide deeper drilling in the next exploration phase.
Pan American Energy Begins Drilling at Big Mack Lithium Property in Ontario
December 10, 2024 | Pan American Energy Corp. has launched a 2,000-meter diamond drilling program at the Big Mack Lithium Property in northwestern Ontario. The campaign aims to refine the geological model, target high-grade lithium zones, and assess cesium mineralization, a critical mineral identified during earlier exploration. This program marks a significant step in advancing the property's potential, leveraging geochemical and geophysical insights to enhance its economic viability.
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Drill Results and Updates
Golden Arrow Advances San Pietro Project with Completion of Phase 2 Drilling in Chile
December 10, 2024 | Golden Arrow Resources has concluded its Phase 2 diamond drilling campaign at the San Pietro Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold-Cobalt Project in Chile, completing 27 holes totaling 9,100 meters. Highlights include an interval of 102.6 meters grading 0.22% Cu, 0.04 g/t Au, 100 g/t Co, and 16.2% Fe, along with a higher-grade section of 24.3 meters averaging 0.48% Cu, 0.07 g/t Au, 214 g/t Co, and 31% Fe. The company is now preparing its first Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 Technical Report, expected in early 2025.
GT Resources Reports High-Grade Copper, Gold, and Nickel at Canalask Project in Yukon
December 10, 2024 | GT Resources Inc. announced final assay results from its 2024 drilling campaign at the Canalask Nickel-Copper Project in Yukon, Canada. Highlights include 1.84% Cu and 1.17 g/t Au over 6.1 meters (Hole CSK24-05), 2.4% Ni and 3.10 g/t Au over 1.0 meter, and peridotite-hosted nickel with up to 0.92 g/t Pd and 0.41 g/t Pt over 46.5 meters starting at a true depth of 50 meters. Additionally, drill hole CSK24-05 intersected 2.0% Ni over 33.5 meters in the Footwall Zone. These results underscore the project's multi-commodity potential, including copper, gold, nickel, platinum, and palladium mineralization.
Green River Gold Completes 2024 Drilling at Quesnel Nickel Project
December 12, 2024 | Green River Gold Corp. has concluded its 2024 drilling season at the Quesnel Nickel Project in British Columbia. Results include nickel grades of 0.185%, cobalt at 0.009%, chromium at 0.100%, and magnesium at 21.87% in hole WK-24-01. Similar mineralization levels were observed in holes WK-24-02 and WK-24-03, showcasing the project’s potential for multi-metal resources, including nickel, cobalt, chromium, and magnesium.
Financing
Brazilian Nickel Secures $550M Loan Interest for Piauí Nickel Project
December 9, 2024 | Brazilian Nickel has received a letter of interest from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for a $550 million loan, covering 40% of the financing needed for its Piauí Nickel project in Brazil. The advanced-stage nickel laterite project, located in Piauí, began production in 2022 and is projected to produce 27,000 tonnes of nickel and 900 tonnes of cobalt annually for the first 10 years.
Pricing
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