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Sembcorp Energy UK (SEUK) today announces an exclusivity agreement with Alkemy Capital Investments plc (“Alkemy”), whose wholly-owned subsidiary Tees Valley Lithium Ltd (“Tees Valley Lithium”) intends to bring their electric vehicle grade Lithium Hydroxide Chemical Processing Plant to Wilton International, within the Teesside freeport zone.

Alkemy has signed a six-month exclusivity agreement with SEUK, in respect of land on which, subject to the completion of a feasibility study and entry into a formal lease, Tees Valley Lithium intends to construct the UK’s first lithium hydroxide plant on Teesside.

On the 20-acre plot, the plant will support the processing of chemical elements used in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) – a technology playing a key part in the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The plant will have an initial capacity of 24,000 tonnes per annum of lithium hydroxide, to be sold in the energy storage markets.

Upon finalisation of a formal lease, construction will begin during the course of this year, with the plant anticipated to be operational in late 2023, supporting 500 jobs during construction and 250 when in operation.

SEUK has an established “plug and play” infrastructure at Wilton International that will enable the additional benefits of the Teesside freeport to be realised quickly. Tees Valley Lithium will have the electricity, steam and water they need as soon as they are operational.

Andy Koss, CEO, UK & Middle East, Sembcorp Industries, commented:

“I’m delighted that Tees Valley Lithium has chosen Wilton International for their new plant, having been attracted by the benefits of the Teesside freeport and the readily-available connectivity of our site. We welcome new customers and new low-carbon jobs that are supporting the UK’s transition to net zero, similar to Sembcorp’s strategic goals.”

Tees Valley Lithium said:

“We are excited to be coming to Wilton International – the site, within the new Teesside freeport zone, is ideally located with such close proximity to the port. We’re proud to be joining Teesside and contributing to the green regeneration of the North East on the path to net zero.”