Indonesia Charges Up EV Ambitions with China-Built Battery Plant

Powering the Green Future

Indonesia just turbocharged its electric vehicle (EV) game! President Joko Widodo launched a $478 million battery anode facility in Central Java – built with China's BTR New Material Group and Singapore's Stellar Investment. This first-phase plant will churn out 80,000 tonnes of EV battery materials annually, enough to power millions of eco-friendly rides.

Nickel Strategy Pays Off

With the world's largest nickel reserves (a key battery ingredient), Indonesia banned raw nickel exports in 2020 to boost domestic processing. \"We're building a full battery ecosystem, from mining to manufacturing,\" Widodo stated at the launch. The move has already attracted giants like Hyundai and LG Energy Solution to set up shop locally.

Scaling Up Green Tech

BTR plans to invest another $299 million by year-end to double production capacity to 160,000 tonnes. Chairman He Xueqin predicts Indonesia will become the world's second-largest anode material producer after China. The facility will source graphite from BTR's Morowali mining operations – creating a vertical supply chain in the archipelago.

Global Battery Race Heats Up

This launch cements Southeast Asia's role in the clean energy transition. With major investments flowing in, Indonesia could soon rival China's dominance in battery tech. As drivers worldwide switch to EVs, this tropical nation is charging straight into the spotlight .

Reference(s):

Indonesia launches China-built anode plant for EV batteries

cgtn.com