Where is the largest lithium-ion battery storage system in Bolivia?

The site in the municipality of Baures, Bolivia. Image: Cegasa. The largest lithium-ion battery storage system in Bolivia is nearing completion at a co-located solar PV site, with project partners including Jinko, SMA and battery storage provider Cegasa.

Can China develop EV batteries in Bolivia?

A giant Chinese battery company, Catl, has won a bidding process to develop Bolivia's huge lithium reserves. The ultra-light metal is used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, production of which is expected to soar as fossil fuels are phased out.

Will CATL help develop Bolivia's lithium reserves?

Bolivia has chosen a consortium including Chinese battery giant CATL to help develop the South American country's huge, but largely untapped, reserves of lithium after a lengthy bidding process involving firms from the United States and Russia.

Does Bolivia have a lithium plant?

This follows a deal between Bolivia’s state-run lithium company, Yacimientos del Litio Bolivianos (YLB), and a Chinese consortium. CATL agreed to invest over $1 billion in the project’s first stage for rights to develop the two lithium plants. Despite being a global leader in electric vehicle batteries, CATL does not currently produce any lithium.

Could Bolivian lithium be the future of battery production?

Bolivian lithium could serve as the initial phase of a production chain, with factories in Argentina and Chile producing batteries, while Andean and Central American countries contribute to the lithium platforms, ultimately delivering a high-quality product to the U.S. market.

How much will Bolivia invest in lithium?

The total investment in the Bolivian lithium industry is expected to reach around $9.9 billion. This follows a deal between Bolivia’s state-run lithium company, Yacimientos del Litio Bolivianos (YLB), and a Chinese consortium. CATL agreed to invest over $1 billion in the project’s first stage for rights to develop the two lithium plants.