WSP appointed as Owner's Engineer
24 JANUARY 2022, LONDON
Green Lithium, the mineral processing company, has appointed WSP as its Owner's Engineer as the company progresses plans to build and operate the UK's first large-scale commercial lithium refinery.
The partnership with WSP will ensure that Green Lithium benefits from a globally recognised Owner's Engineer that has prior experience of delivering lithium refineries in other territories, including Australia. After completing a competitive procurement process, WSP will now assume the Owner's Engineer role, which will ensure that the engineering solutions provided to Green Lithium meet the needs of a merchant refinery and help Green Lithium to achieve its carbon net-zero ambitions.
In delivering its lithium refinery, Green Lithium aims to fill the missing link in the electric vehicle supply chain, using a sustainable and low-carbon refining process to connect Europe's lithium battery and cell manufacturers with a secure supply of lithium hydroxide, produced from abundant international sources of raw lithium mineral ore.
There is currently no commercial lithium refining capability in Europe, leaving the continent's rapidly growing electric vehicle and sustainable energy storage sectors wholly reliant on East Asia for its battery-grade lithium chemicals.
It is forecast that the growing demand for battery-grade lithium chemicals will not be met by refining capacity that is currently available or planned, therefore increasing and diversifying supply will be vital for the commercial viability of the European battery supply chain and, therefore, the electric vehicle revolution and transition to net zero.
Sean Sargent, Chief Executive Officer, at Green Lithium said: “The appointment of an Owner's Engineer is a crucial development for any major construction project, and we're delighted that a firm with the experience, expertise and market standing of WSP will be fulfilling this important role for Green Lithium.
"This marks the latest milestone in the delivery of the UK's first large-scale commercial lithium refinery, which will be a critical enabler for Europe's electric vehicle and sustainable energy storage sectors as the continent transitions to net zero."
“This landmark project will revolutionise the European supply chain for EV production and sustainable energy storage at this critical time in the energy transition. We're looking forward to working with Green Lithium to support its development, as we continue to bring WSP's global expertise to the fore in transforming the energy and transportation sectors for a low-carbon future."