Eni has started construction of a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery production facility at its Brindisi industrial site in Italy, marking a significant step into energy storage. Simultaneously, the firm revealed an agreement to acquire a stake in a lithium project in Chile, securing access to a critical raw material for battery manufacturing.
The Brindisi plant will produce LFP batteries, a technology widely used in electric vehicles and grid storage. By integrating upstream lithium supply from Chile, Eni is creating a vertical chain that spans from raw material extraction to finished battery cells.
This dual move signals Eni's strategy to diversify beyond hydrocarbons into the energy transition value chain. The Italian site leverages existing industrial infrastructure, potentially reducing construction timelines and capital expenditure versus greenfield projects.
Geopolitically, the Chilean lithium stake ties Eni into South America's 'lithium triangle,' which holds over half of global reserves. However, Chile's recent push for state control over lithium resources could introduce regulatory uncertainty for foreign investors.
There is no independent data yet confirming the project's capacity, capital outlay, or timeline for first production without verification from Eni's official disclosure.