Li-S Energy (ASX: LIS) has produced the first Australian lithium metal foils at its advanced battery cell production facility in Geelong.

The company sees the success as a significant milestone in its development of lithium-sulphur and lithium-metal cells that offer more than twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Li-S installed the new lithium extrusion equipment and produced the first 100-micron thick pure lithium metal foils ahead of schedule.

Significant Step Forward

Chief executive officer Dr Lee Finniear said production of the foils confirmed a new sovereign manufacturing capability that marks a significant step forward for Australia’s value-added lithium processing industry.

“This is a transformative moment for Australia’s battery industry—we are proud to be the first company in the country to produce lithium foils, a critical component for the future of high energy density batteries,” Dr Finniear said.

“By reducing dependence on overseas supply chains, we substantially improve our cost base, enhance cell quality, and support the resilience of Australian manufacturing.”

“It also opens the door to export opportunities as international demand for high-purity lithium foil continues to grow.”

IGP Grant Receipt

In August 2024, the company received a $1.76 million Industry Growth Program (IGP) grant from the Australian government in matched funding to develop its domestic capability.

“The successful delivery of this first phase of the IGP project also sets the stage for Li-S Energy’s next manufacturing expansion,” Dr Finniear said.

“Under the IGP, the company will also be installing equipment to roll, laminate and coat the lithium foils, allowing it to offer a broader suite of foil products for international markets and to scale up its proprietary nano-material coating technologies.”

The company is offering its Australian produced lithium metal foils to universities, institutions and private companies conducting research and development in the battery space.