LONDON, June 8 (Reuters) - Livista Energy said on Thursday it plans a lithium refinery for electric vehicles (EV) batteries in Germany that should launch production in 2026 and has partnered with French oil and gas services provider Technip Energies (TE.PA) to design the plant. Luxembourg-based Livista said it initially aims to refine 40,000 tonnes of lithium annually at the plant, or enough for batteries for around 850,000 EVs, with the potential to double capacity over time. The European lithium refiner said that recycled lithium from batteries should make up 50% of the plant's capacity by 2030. The EU's plans for battery independence also include recycling battery materials like lithium. As lithium mines and refineries take years to develop, building out European supply will be a lengthy process.

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Persons: Livista, Jean, Marc Ichbia, Technip, Nick Carey, David Evans Organizations: Livista Energy, European Union, Savannah Resources, Thomson Locations: Germany, Luxembourg, Europe, China, Savannah, Western