Veolia Supports Production of Lithium Hydroxide for Electric Vehicle Batteries

Veolia Group has embarked on a transformative journey to establish itself as the epitome of ecological transformation. Operating across five continents, the Group is dedicated to crafting and implementing practical solutions for water, waste, and energy management. These solutions contribute significantly to addressing climate challenges, fostering energy transition, and promoting sustainable resource access, all while preserving and renewing the available resources. In 2022 alone, Veolia provided drinking water to 111 million people, sanitation to 97 million, produced 44 million megawatt hours, and recovered 61 million tonnes of waste.

The Veolia Group has extended its impact by leveraging its technological and industrial expertise to contribute to the manufacturing of battery-grade lithium hydroxide at the POSCO Lithium Solution plant in Gwangyang, South Korea. This strategic involvement aligns with Veolia's commitment to advancing clean energy technologies and supporting the global shift towards electric vehicles. The Gwangyang plant, with an annual production capacity of 25,000 tonnes, is poised to supply sufficient lithium to manufacture approximately 600,000 batteries for electric vehicles.

Lithium, a crucial component in the rapidly expanding realm of clean energy technologies, finds varied applications. Lithium carbonate is utilized in batteries for small electronic devices, such as laptops, while lithium hydroxide is a key ingredient in high-density, high-capacity batteries, particularly those powering electric vehicles. In this collaborative effort, Veolia has applied its HPD crystallization technology to convert lithium carbonate into lithium hydroxide. This advanced process not only enhances the efficiency of lithium production but also prioritizes sustainable water management by significantly reducing water consumption in the industrial process.

The innovative chemical conversion designed by Veolia maximizes the reuse of condensate generated during the process, achieving an impressive recovery rate of over 94%. This approach minimizes the quantity of water directed to wastewater treatment plants, emphasizing Veolia's commitment to sustainable water resource management.

Brachlianoff, a seasoned professional with nearly two decades at Veolia, brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role. Her multifaceted background includes serving as a Non-Executive Director of Hermes since 2019 and holding a position at the French Ministry of Infrastructure, overseeing public transportation, urban planning, and infrastructure.

Brachlianoff emphasizes Veolia's commitment to sharing its industrial and technological expertise with POSCO Lithium Solution. This collaboration aims to optimize the recovery of lithium hydroxide while minimizing water usage in battery production. From the technological treatment of lithium to the recovery of battery materials during recycling, Veolia is dedicated to sharing its unique knowledge to contribute to sustainable practices and advancements in the production of clean energy technologies.