EVelution Energy Begins Solar Facility Construction for Arizona Cobalt Processing Plant

EVelution Energy announced on July 2 that construction has officially started on a 28 MW solar facility designed to supply renewable electricity to America's first commercial-scale cobalt processing plant. The project represents a major milestone in the company's USD 450 million investment in United States critical minerals infrastructure. By combining renewable power generation with domestic cobalt processing, the initiative aims to strengthen supply chain resilience while supporting the growing demand for battery materials used in electric vehicles.

Solar Facility Construction Advances Arizona Project

The initial phase of construction includes installing the first permanent steel mounting piles that will support solar panels across the project's 150-acre site. Once completed, the solar installation is expected to generate sufficient electricity to operate the cobalt processing facility entirely on solar power. Any surplus electricity will either be stored using on-site battery energy storage systems or supplied to the local electric grid, improving both energy efficiency and grid support.

Project Timeline and Commercial Operations

Development of the complete solar array is expected to continue throughout 2026 and into 2027. The associated cobalt processing facility is scheduled to begin commercial operations by the end of 2029. The project combines renewable energy infrastructure with advanced mineral processing capabilities to establish a reliable domestic source of battery-grade cobalt products for the expanding electric vehicle industry.

Expected Production Capacity of the Cobalt Processing Facility

The completed facility is expected to become the first commercial-scale cobalt metal and cobalt sulfate processing plant in the United States, delivering significant annual production capacity.

• Process approximately 24,000 metric tons of cobalt hydroxide feedstock annually.
• Produce up to 20,000 metric tons of EV battery-grade cobalt sulfate per year, containing approximately 4,000 metric tons of cobalt.
• Produce up to 3,000 metric tons of alloy-grade cobalt metal annually.

The project is expected to play an important role in expanding domestic processing capabilities for critical battery materials while reducing dependence on imported supply. By integrating renewable energy generation with large-scale cobalt processing, the facility supports long-term efforts to strengthen the United States critical minerals supply chain and meet increasing demand from the electric vehicle sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of EVelution Energy's Arizona cobalt processing project?
The project combines a 28 MW solar power facility with America's first commercial-scale cobalt metal and cobalt sulfate processing plant, creating a domestic source of critical battery materials. The solar installation is expected to fully power the processing facility while excess electricity will be stored or supplied to the local grid. Once commercial operations begin by the end of 2029, the facility is expected to strengthen U.S. critical minerals supply chains and support growing electric vehicle battery production.