TEMECULA, CA — Southern California's inland region is eyed as a national leader in lithium technology, and a Tunisia-based electronics company is jumping on board with a manufacturing facility planned in the Temecula Valley.
Starz Energies announced Monday it is planning its first U.S. manufacturing plant, which will focus on the production of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium And Lithium Ion Batteries
“Starz Energies has worked for the past six years to perfect its materials processing and contribute to the region’s environmental goals. We look forward to being part of the community," Starz Electronics’ Founder and CEO Ali Belakhoua said in a released statement.
Starz Energies will be temporarily located in the Temecula Valley Entrepreneurs Exchange (43200 Business Park Drive in Temecula) while the company works to finalize a spot in the region.
Starz is evaluating a few different locations in the Temecula Valley but hasn't settled on one yet, though the company plans to be operational in the second half of 2024 with about 60 employees, according to Connie Stopher, executive director for Temecula-based Economic Development Coalition.
In addition to its manufacturing presence, Starz is looking to establish research and development partnerships with the University of California, Riverside, according to Stopher.
On Nov. 7, UCR announced federal funding that will be used to help establish the Lithium Valley Clean Tech Hub, a consortium of academics, private industry, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations led by Imperial County and the university. Lithium battery manufacturing companies Starz Electronics, SiLi-ion Inc., Statevolt and Sulfuron Corporation were named as hub partners.
Lithium batteries are found in mobile phones and laptops, electric vehicles, pacemakers, toys and clocks, to name a few. The soft, silvery metal is only currently produced at one mine in the U.S., in Nevada, according to UCR.
Local officials want to change that. The Southern California desert is touted as a lithium goldmine. Companies and governmental agencies are trying to find a cost-effective and sustainable way to extract the lithium dissolved in hot fluid deep beneath the Salton Sea's southern end. New analysis led by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that as much as 18 million metric tons of lithium could potentially be pulled from the region.
All the more reason for officials to applaud the arrival of a lithium-ion battery manufacturer in Riverside County.
“We are very excited to welcome Starz Electronics to our region. UCR has established leadership in electric battery manufacturing and recycling research ...," UCR Vice Chancellor of Research and Economic Development Rodolfo Torres said in a released statement.
In a released statement Monday, a state official lauded Starz Energies' decision to launch a Southern California lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility.
“Their expansion proves the point that California’s proactive efforts to combat climate change serve as a draw for cutting-edge companies and spur economic development. Our team looks forward to continuing to work with Starz as they grow their footprint in the Golden State," said GO-Biz Deputy Director for International Affairs and Trade Emily Desai.
The lithium industry could change the economics of Southern California desert communities and beyond.
“The arrival of [Starz] in Inland Southern California is a testament to the collective efforts of UCR, other institutions of higher education, government entities, the private sector, community organizations, and additional stakeholders in the region are conducting together to promote economic development and improve the quality of life for our community,” Torres said.
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