Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQB: AVLNF) ("Avalon" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce plans to develop a zero-emission solar farm at its 100% owned Thunder Bay industrial site, the future home of Avalon's planned lithium processing facility. This initiative underscores Avalon's commitment to sustainability and positions the province as a leader in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.
The proposed solar farm will repurpose a portion of the site land which is unused and non-productive and will use additional rooftop area once the facility is built. The renewable energy generated, with the potential for expansion through battery storage technology, could fully support the energy requirements of the lithium processing facility. This clean energy will help offset the facility's carbon footprint, contributing significantly to Avalon's goal of achieving Net Zero emissions.
Strategically located near the 115kV P1T and P1P electrical grid distribution lines and close to the H1 Port Arthur Transfer Station, the solar farm will benefit from reduced transmission and distribution losses, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. By harnessing local solar energy production, Avalon will reduce its carbon impact and contribute to the region's broader sustainability footprint.
Scott Monteith, CEO of Avalon, commented, "Our commitment to sustainability and ensuring innovative design components at our lithium processing facility is about ensuring we build with the future in mind. While there is work ahead to be done, Avalon is keen to integrate this solar capacity into the energy load of our project, helping us minimize our footprint."
The energy generated by the solar farm can also be fed into the grid, providing clean energy to local communities, including First Nations, and reinforce Avalon's role as a leader in sustainable development.
