AMTE Power, the UK based lithium ion cell developer and InfraNomics, an Australian infrastructure developer have signed a Heads of Terms agreement that gives further details on the two companies intent to work together. This follows its previous MOU announcement, which was signed on 15th September 2020.
The joint venture, which will be based in Western Australia, will see the companies form a new business with shared ownership, Bardan Cells Pty Ltd.
In a joint statement, the companies have announced their intention to develop the manufacturing, sales and distribution business, using AMTE’s licenced technology and manufacturing expertise to build cells for use in power storage systems. The business will operate from “Lithium Valley” Kwinana Industrial zone, an area dedicated to the development of Lithium related products. Lithium Valley will also provide access to raw materials, local technical expertise.
The Australian Government wish to develop its sovereign supply chains, and the use of this extensive industrial ecosystem supports its regional strategic plans. Bardan intends to offer customers robust, safe, premium performance products, developed using net zero carbon manufacturing techniques, for use in long term power storage solutions.
Dave Pell, CCO at AMTE Power said, “The creation of Bardan Cells Pty Ltd is hugely exciting. We’re thrilled with this development that will further allow us to develop sustainable cells, not only in for the UK but also in in a mineral rich country like Australia. Most Iimportantly though, we’re excited to become an important part of Western Australia’s future, as it movesfocus on towards renewable energy.
Pell added, “After the success of our recent IPO, on the AIM – in which we raised nearly twice the amount that we’d hoped – we’re determined to build on this momentum and accelerate further. We’re committed to using only the best materials and that’s why we’re targeting the “Lithium Valley” for this project.”
Power storage is at the heart of the global transformation of energy and Bardan plans to deliver sustainable and traceable products based on materials sourced from its its sovereignLocal supply chains, to these markets. . Current plans are to build an initial manufacturing microcline plant leading to a planned Gigafactory to capture a portion of the growing market for niche power storage applications. Off-take agreements are in the process of being finalised to support the factory build out.
Cameron Edwards, Director and Founder at InfraNomics commented, “The relationship with AMTE provides Bardan and its customers the advanced technological expertise required to make world class products suitable for extreme environments. The global transformation of energy is one of the largest growth markets in the world and we are delighted to be playing a role in reshoring manufacturing in the Australian energy sector and creating an essential piece in the critical raw materials value chain. The formation of Bardan Cells in Lithium Valley was the logical next step for us, with AMTE, Bardan is able to fast track local power storage manufacturing.”
