BatteryTech News & Updates – 2024 #34
Julian Renpenning
Scientific-Technological Marketing & Business Development | Battery Tech Enthusiast | B2B Marketing Expert | Consultant | Former Scientist, PhD, Postdoc
Hello Battery Technology Community and Electric Vehicle Professionals! Below is the quick weekly roundup of key developments in battery technology and the global EV market. Enjoy the insights! - Julian
?? US Leads Global Climate Tech Financing in 2024
The United States has become the leading market for climate technology financing in 2024, securing $6.7 billion in the first half of the year. This development represents a shift from the previous year when China held the top position. The majority of funding in the US was allocated to clean power companies, including renewable energy equipment manufacturers and project developers, as well as startups in the energy storage sector. China maintained a strong position, raising $5.1 billion in climate tech financing, while Canada ranked third with $1.8 billion.
???Northvolt Closes Cuberg Site to Consolidate Battery R&D in Sweden
Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt has announced the relocation of its lithium metal battery technology development Cuberg from California to Sweden. The company will integrate its research and development activities at the Northvolt Labs campus in V?ster?s, Sweden. The objective of this move is the consolidation of Northvolt’s research and development efforts and the acceleration of the industrialization of its cell product portfolio. Northvolt aims to create an environment conducive to cross-innovation and accelerated development by co-locating lithium-ion, sodium-ion and lithium-metal technologies.
???Battery Market Transition: Balancing EV Challenges with Energy Storage Opportunities
Recent battery market data shows that major battery manufacturers are facing challenges in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with several companies reporting declining sales and profits. LG Energy Solution , Samsung SDI , and Panasonic ’s battery division all experienced financial setbacks, while CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, reported its first quarterly profit decline. The slowdown in EV sales growth has led to lower battery volumes, increased competition, and price adjustments as companies struggle to maintain market share. At the same time, the energy storage market is showing significant growth, partially mitigating the slowdown in the EV sector.
???Construction of Quebec Battery Cathode Material Plant Joint Venture Halted
A cathode material plant project in Becancour, Quebec, was suspended for the second time in 2024. The $880 million joint venture involves South Korea’s EcoPro BM , SK On and U.S. automaker 福特 . Construction began in August 2023, but experienced its first pause in April 2024 due to contractor selection and facility design issues. Work resumed in late May; however, Canada’s La Presse reported that operations have been suspended since August 5, 2024, for a major redesign of the facility. A spokesperson for EcoPro CAM Canada, the local subsidiary overseeing the project, attributed the reassessment to fluctuations in electric vehicle (EV) demand.
?? Morrow Batteries and Bergen Carbon Solutions Collaborate on European Sustainable Battery Supply Chain
Morrow Batteries and Bergen Carbon Solutions AS (BCS) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a partnership focused on developing a sustainable, localized supply chain for critical battery materials in Europe. The collaboration aims to support Morrow’s battery cell production by creating a European value chain for critical carbon materials. The partnership will explore the potential to establish a local supply of green carbon from BCS for Morrow’s battery cell production in Norway. In addition, the companies plan to develop solutions that could enhance the technical capabilities of Morrow’s batteries using BCS materials.
???LG Energy Solution Progresses Dry Electrode Technology Development With A Pilot Line
LG Energy Solution reports progress in its dry electrode technology for battery production. The company plans to complete a pilot line at its Ochang Energy Plant by the end of 2024, with full-scale production targeted for 2028. The dry electrode process represents a potential shift in battery manufacturing methods. LG Energy Solution’s technology is designed to produce both anodes and cathodes, accommodating different material particle sizes. This versatility could be particularly beneficial for anode production, which is often more challenging than cathode production.
???Chinese Lithium Producer Ganfeng Announces $500M Battery Plant Investment In Turkey
GanfengLithium , China’s leading lithium metal supplier, has announced plans to establish a joint venture in Turkey to build a new battery manufacturing facility. The company’s subsidiary, GanfengLiEnergy , has signed a cooperation framework agreement with Turkey’s Yigit Aku to expand its business in Turkey and internationally. The joint venture plans to invest $500 million in a lithium battery project with an annual production capacity of 5 gigawatt hours (GWh) in Turkey. The facility will include both a lithium battery production line and a battery pack production line.
?? Paraclete Energy Introduces Advanced Silicon-Based Anode Material
Paraclete Energy has developed a new silicon-based anode material called SILO Silicon, reported to cost $35 per kilowatt hour. This innovation presents a potential alternative to conventional graphite anodes commonly used in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. SILO Silicon offers competitive pricing at $35 per kWh, high energy density exceeding 520 Wh/kg, and performance enhancements, making it a promising alternative to current graphite anodes in battery technology.
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?? E3 Lithium and Pure Lithium Sign Joint Development Agreement for Lithium Metal Battery Production in Alberta
E3 Lithium and Pure Lithium Corporation have entered into a joint development agreement to advance lithium metal battery technology in Alberta, Canada. The collaboration will utilize E3’s lithium brine resources and Pure Lithium’s Brine to Battery technology to develop an efficient production process for high energy density batteries. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies plan to design a pilot plant near Calgary for the production of lithium metal anodes and batteries using E3’s lithium concentrate.?
?? China’s New Energy Vehicle Market Continues Robust Growth in August 2024
The China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) has released estimates indicating continued growth in China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector for August. Retail sales of NEV passenger vehicles are expected to reach 980,000 units, up 36.6% year-on-year and 11.6% from July. NEV retail penetration is expected to reach a new record of 53.2% in August, marking the second consecutive month above 50%. This follows July’s milestone of 51.1%, when NEVs surpassed conventional gasoline vehicles in monthly retail sales for the first time.
?? Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Loss Mechanism Identified By TU Graz Researchers
Researchers at Technische Universit?t Graz have identified the mechanism behind capacity limitations in lithium-ion batteries, specifically in lithium iron phosphate cathodes. The study, published in Advanced Energy Materials, used advanced microscopy techniques to observe the behavior of lithium ions within the cathode material. The research team discovered that even in fully charged battery cells, some lithium ions remain immobilized in the crystal lattice of the cathode instead of migrating to the anode as expected. This phenomenon accounts for up to 25% of the theoretical storage capacity of these batteries.
?? EV Fire in South Korea Prompts Battery Chemistry Safety Discussions
An EV fire incident in Incheon, South Korea, has led to increased scrutiny of battery safety and transparency in the automotive sector. The incident, which involved a Mercedes-Benz EV with a faulty battery, resulted in damage to approximately 140 vehicles and injuries to 23 people. In response, the South Korean government has taken action following a high-level meeting with relevant ministries and agencies. An advisory is being prepared that will require EV manufacturers operating in the country to disclose their battery suppliers and provide free vehicle inspections. Several prominent automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, BMW Korea and Mercedes-Benz Korea, have already taken steps to comply.
?? Sigma Lithium Adjusts Growth Strategy in Response to Market Conditions
Sigma Lithium Corp. (Nasdaq:SGML) is modifying its expansion plans to align with current lithium market dynamics, as revealed by CEO Ana Cabral in a recent interview with Fastmarkets . The company is adopting a more measured approach to growth compared to its initial production acceleration.?At its Grota do Cirilo operation in Brazil, Sigma has extended the timeline for its Phase 2 expansion. The company now projects a 12-15 month implementation period, an increase from the original 9-month schedule. This adjustment reflects a transition from an aggressive growth strategy to a more deliberate approach.
?? Italian Industry Minister Sets Ultimatum for Stellantis over EU Funding for Battery Gigafactory
Italy’s Industry Minister has set a timeframe for Stellantis to confirm its plans to build a battery Gigafactory in the country, with public funding at stake. The minister expects a final response from Stellantis on the proposed battery manufacturing project shortly. The facility is part of the ACC - Automotive Cells Company joint venture, in which Stellantis holds a majority stake. ACC has proposed three gigafactories across Europe, but recently suspended development at two sites, including the Italian site, as the company adjusts its strategy to focus on lower-cost battery technologies in response to changing market conditions for electric vehicles.
?? VARTA AG Agrees to a Comprehensive Restructuring Plan with Porsche
VARTA AG has announced a significant development in its restructuring efforts. The company has reached an agreement with its financial creditors and strategic investors on the key economic elements of a long-term viable restructuring concept. The restructuring plan includes several critical elements. First, VARTA AG’s financial debt will be reduced from €485 million to €200 million through a substantial cut of €285 million. As part of the capital restructuring, the company’s share capital will be reduced to zero, followed by a capital increase of €60 million, including a cash injection of €40 million.
?? Significant Opposition to Fortum Battery Recycling Plant in Germany
Nearly 1,500 objections have been filed with the Thuringian State Environmental Agency against a proposed battery recycling facility in the Kyffh?userkreis district in Germany. Many of the objections are highly detailed and will require additional time for the agency to thoroughly review them. The proposed plant, to be built by the Finnish company Fortum in the Kyffh?userhütte industrial area near Artern, has met with strong opposition from local residents.?
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3 个月so great article