Expansion of a lithium plant supports electromobility
HOCHTIEF Group company UGL has been awarded several contracts with energy and minerals processing clients in Western Australia with a total value of over AUD 600 million (around EUR 360 million).
The contracts include the provision of construction services at a lithium hydroxide plant near Bunbury, Western Australia for Albemarle, which will generate up to 400 jobs with UGL through the construction phase and revenue for UGL of over AUD 300 million.
Albemarle, the industry leader in lithium and lithium derivatives, is expanding its operations, by constructing two additional processing trains at its Kemerton plant, to increase production to up to 100,000 metric tonnes per annum of lithium hydroxide, supporting the manufacturing of an estimated 2.4 million electric vehicles annually.
UGL has also secured four energy supply contracts in Western Australia that will generate revenue of AUD 300 million.
HOCHTIEF CEO Juan Santamaría: “We are proud to grow our presence in Western Australia and to play a part in expanding high tech infrastructure and lithium refining in Australia, by contributing to the construction of one of the world’s largest lithium production facilities. This important compound is used for the electrification of transport, which is aligned with our focus on sustainable mobility.”
UGL Managing Director Doug Moss said: “UGL has a strong history of working with the world’s largest energy companies to provide expertise and local capability, particularly in Western Australia. We’re pleased to support Albemarle’s expansion plans at the Kemerton Lithium Hydroxide Plant. We also provide critical services to the traditional energy sector, supporting the continuity of energy supply and major investment and innovation in the world’s energy transition.”