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Lithium plays a critical role in the global energy transition and acts as a cornerstone of the renewable energy revolution. As a key component of lithium-ion batteries, it is essential for developing efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions. These batteries power a wide range of technologies, from electric vehicles to home energy storage systems, making it easier to integrate intermittent renewable energy such as solar and wind into our electricity grids.
In particular, the rise of electric vehicles relies heavily on the availability and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, making lithium a critical player in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change. Its ability to store large amounts of energy in a small space and at low weight makes it ideal for these applications, accelerating the transition to a cleaner and greener economy.
A turning point for the industry
This is a promising turning point for the energy industry! There Thailand recently announced the discovery of a huge reserve lithium. This find, estimated at around 15 million tonnes, gives the country a strong position in the global market for this precious metal, which is crucial for the energy transition. This reserve is located in Phang Nga Province in the south of the country, not far from the well-known tourist island of Phuket.
Lithium, often nicknamed “ l’or blanc“, has become a crucial component, especially for electric vehicle batteries. This discovery is therefore a boon for Thailand, which aims to become a major player in the production of these future technologies. Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri, deputy government spokesman, emphasized the significance of the discovery, calling it “an opportunity for Thailand to become self-sufficient in the production of batteries for electric vehicles.”
But despite the enthusiasm, the Thai government remains cautious. The authorities are currently examining how much lithium can actually be mined. Given the environmental and economic problems associated with the extraction of mineral resources, this process requires time and careful planning.
This reserve puts Thailand just behind countries such as Bolivia and Argentina, which have 23 and 20 million tons of lithium, respectively, which is almost half of the world’s reserves. This discovery could therefore significantly change the geopolitical landscape of lithium resources, a metal classified as “critical” by the European Commission in 2020.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has been in office since August, sees this discovery as an opportunity to accelerate the country’s transition to electric technologies. Thailand, already a major automobile production center, could thus become an important hub for the electric vehicle industry in Southeast Asia. Chinese giant BYD is also planning to produce its first electric vehicles at a new factory in Rayong, marking the start of a new era for the region’s automotive industry.
This discovery of lithium in Thailand is not only a breakthrough for the country, but also a big step forward for the global energy transition, paving the way for new perspectives in the field of renewable energy and sustainable mobility.
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