It is therefore expected that the latest round of tightening regulations on technology export for cathode, lithium processing, and lithium refining will have a significant impact on the battery supply chain globally, in particular, on joint ventures, technology licensing or technical service arrangements.
These materials are indispensable in the production of lithium-ion batteries and other components vital to renewable energy and electric vehicles. "China is still set to be the dominant player," said Tony Alderson, a senior analyst at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
What's happening at Yongzhou's lithium battery production line?
Workers are busy on the lithium battery production line at a new-energy company in Yongzhou, Central China's Hunan Province on December 30, 2024, as they strive to boost production at the end of the year.
Could a new lithium extraction restriction be important for electric cars?
That's why any new restriction on lithium extraction technology could be particularly important as global demand grows for electric cars. The International Energy Agency says the world is on track to meet only 50% of lithium demand by 2035.
A worker transports parts to the assembly line of electric cars at a Leap Motors plant in Jinhua in east China's Zhejiang province on November 26, 2024. Larry Leung/Feature China/Future Publishing/Getty Images While an iPhone needs only a small amount of lithium, an average EV battery needs about eight kilograms (18 pounds) of it.
What technology is included in the lithium battery cathode material preparation technology?
Lithium battery cathode material preparation technology and lithium extraction technology were included. Public comments will be accepted until February 1, 2025, and the specific content of the adjustment can be found on the MOFCOM's official website.
The International Energy Agency says the world is on track to meet only 50% of lithium demand by 2035. Global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to soar over the next 10 years, McKinsey wrote in 2023, with the number of gigawatt hours required growing from about 700 in 2022 to around 4,700 by 2030.