Green Li-ion adds Australian politician as advisor

Singapore-based Green Li-ion, a hydrometallurgical lithium-ion battery recycling technology provider, has appointed Australian political figure Will Hodgman as an advisor to its board of directors.

Hodgman formerly served as premier of the Australian state of Tasmania and as Australia’s high commissioner to Singapore. In addition to being based in Singapore, Green Li-ion has operations in Australia, the United States and Europe.

As an advisor to Green Li-ion’s board, Hodgman brings government policy experience and a deep understanding of innovative companies’ role in combating climate change and enabling the clean energy transition, Green Li-ion says.

"The Honorable Will Hodgman’s experience and perspectives are an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” Green Li-ion co-founder and CEO Leon Farrant says. “Working with a seasoned leader who understands how policy and private enterprise can work together to produce climate progress will be crucial in raising awareness of our novel lithium-ion battery recycling and remanufacturing technology and in helping to secure grant and government support.”

As premier of Tasmania, Green Li-ion credits Hodgman with implementing a climate action plan to help ensure the state became the first in Australia to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity generation. He continued his renewable energy advocacy as Australia’s High Commissioner to Singapore, spearheading the ratification of the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement (SAGEA), described by Green Li-ion as the world’s first green economy agreement.

“Being at the forefront of the green transition is what I strived for in Tasmania; battery recycling is a vital part of that effort. International cooperation is crucial for innovative ideas to cross borders and become widely adopted," Hodgman says. "With its revolutionary battery-recycling technology and worldwide operations, Green Li-ion gives me hope for a net-zero future. I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Green Li-ion estimates about 95 percent of lithium-ion batteries globally are not being recycled. The company says commercial scale black mass-to-cathode material conversion technology can improve recyclers’ profit margins on battery recycling by up to four times. The company’s first commercial operation is slated to start production in the second half of this year at a plant operated by energy firm Aleon in Oklahoma.

“In the U.S. in particular, the Inflation Reduction Act and associated initiatives are poised to lift domestic lithium-ion battery recycling to new heights, and Mr. Hodgman will provide valuable insights into how to best make Green Li-ion a major player in that process," Farrant says.