WS 1 addresses the needs from cell/battery producers and OEM’s for advanced battery materials meeting their cost, performance and sustainablity targets. Thus, this workstream aims to develop a sustainable sourcing and processing of relevant battery raw materials, e.g. lithium, nickel, manganese, etc., both from domestic and overseas sources, thus, to fulfil the European standards in terms of sustainability and CO2 footprint.
Therefore, implementing a recycled feedstock helps to ensure these criteria via recycling. Furthermore, the potentials for domestic mining of critical raw materials in the context of LIBs, e.g. lithium and/or nickel, will be assets to ensure an inner-European closed battery life cycle assessment. Besides the active raw materials, further raw materials in the context of electrochemical energy storage are tackled in this workstream such as for the electrolyte and its additives focused on domestic production for conducting salts and their precursors, as well as cost efficient polyolefin based components (e.g. separators and battery housings).
Additionally, it is critical to improve the understanding of the relationship between raw material structures and advanced material for battery properties. To this end, the development of alternative production routes to close the value chain with regard to refining and precursors of electrochemical energy storage materials (e.g. anode/cathode, electrolytes, and separators) is another aim of this WS.
Key for a reliable supply of high quality raw materials for the European battery production is the setup of local production capabilities such as for processing of lithium hydroxide. Furthermore, innovative, scalable, sustainable and energy-efficient battery material production processes, especially for anode and cathode materials, are tackled in this WS focussing on new generations (new synthetic graphites and silicon anode material types) as well as alternative anode materials (e.g. intermetallic phases) and low cobalt-containing cathodes.
Direct Partner
ALKEEMIA is one of Europe’s largest producers of hydrofluoric acid and fluoroderivatives. The company provides through its plants in Porto Marghera (Venice) and Frankfurt, from which major manufacturers operating in the fluoropolymer, refrigerant, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, electronics, metallurgy, fertilizer, construction and other industries are supplied.
With its technological expertise and great industrial tradition of respect and responsible development, ALKEEMIA works with quality and reliability alongside its partners to make the products of the future.
Description of the project
The project aims to develop an innovative production process of lithium hexafluorophosphate for use in electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. Research activities will be aimed at defining complete parameters for the synthesis of high purity raw materials using low quality, waste, or recycled products. Taking advantage of the unique logistical position as well as the particularity of the Porto Marghera site, the natural consequence and further development of the project will be the birth of a new production line of raw materials for electrolytes in Europe.
Direct Partner
Arkema is a French chemical major with leadership positions in specialty chemicals and high performance materials. With a turnover of 8.8 billion €, Arkema has 20,000 employees in more than 55 countries, 13 research centres worldwide, and a total of 136 production plants in Europe, North America and Asia and the rest of the world.
Arkema is organized into three business segments: Coating Solutions, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. For green energy technologies, the Arkema Group provides advanced materials for photovoltaics, wind power applications, and Li-ion batteries. In the latter segment, Arkema provides solutions all along the value chain - from raw materials to recycling.
Inside the cell, the materials portfolio spans from cathode and anode binders, to separator coatings solutions, electrolytes salts and additives, as well as carbon nanotubes.
Description of the project
LION. The first project aims to develop and upscale an innovative production process that allows the production, under cost-optimized and environment friendly conditions, of an ultra-pure electrolyte salt, namely LIFSI and related additives. These materials will improve drastically the batteries safety and fit perfectly with high voltages and fast charge batteries within either the present or future battery technologies.
PureCNT. The second project aims to develop and upscale a fundamentally innovative continuous purification process of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) that allows the production, under cost-efficient and environment friendly conditions. These MWCNTs will improve drastically the energy density capacity and provide longer battery lifetime and better power.
Associated Partner
Aurora Lithium S.A. (Aurora) is a pioneering joint venture between Galp Energias (Portugal) and Northvolt AB (Sweden), based in Europe. Aurora aims to establish the continent’s most sustainable lithium refinery, focusing on producing high-purity, battery-grade lithium hydroxide crucial for the lithium-ion battery industry. By utilizing innovative, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient methods, Aurora is set to drive the energy transition and strengthen the European battery value chain. Our state-of-the-art lithium conversion plant in Setúbal, Portugal, will play a significant role in reducing EU LiOH import dependence, promoting economic growth, and aligning with the EU's sustainability objectives.
Aurora Lithium's project focuses on establishing a high-performance lithium conversion facility to produce 32,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually, of which 8,000 tons from intermediates, enough to power over 800,000 electric vehicles. This plant will incorporate cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, such as the electrification of key processes, the use of renewable energy, reduced water consumption and the incorporation of circularity in every step of the process. Our innovative approach includes flexibility to accept various feedstocks, minimizing waste, and optimizing resource efficiency. Recognized as a key project in Portugal and in Europe, our facility aims to set a new benchmark for sustainability in the battery sector.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/auroralithium/
Direct Partner
Associated Partner
Cenate is a company developing and manufacturing next generation silicon based anode materials for use in lithium-ion batteries, mainly for the rapidly growing EV battery market. By replacing graphite with our silicon nanocomposite materials, the battery energy density and the EV driving range increase significantly, and the carbon emissions from production are nearly eliminated. The company has a pilot plant at Tomter (near Oslo, Norway) and research/HQ office in Oslo.
In the IPCEI project, Cenate will develop its innovative production processes for the initial product to industrial maturity in the first Giga scale silicon anode materials plant on the European continent – delivering thereafter a 3 GWh/year supply capacity to the European EV industry and building a platform for subsequent rapid growth. The project will also include further product development, including a new product suitable for a silicon dominant anode, where most of the graphite in the anode is replaced with silicon. Lastly, the project will include development of a product with so long lifetime that it can possibly be used in buses and trucks – and thereby also be suitable for recycling in the passenger EV market.
Associated Partner
delfortgroup AG (Papierfabrik Wattens) is a leading supplier of ultralight specialty papers, with global operations and employing over 3,200 skilled experts. delfort has engineered next-generation separators for energy storage applications.
We are an experienced partner for joint industry developments and our target is to become a key supplier for fiber-based separators within the battery industry. The separators are designed for high performance cells with maximum energy densities, fast charging rates and a high safety standard.
In the context of this project and through collaboration with IPCEI partners Papierfabrik Wattens aims to excel the sector for fiber-based separators for energy storage devices. Separator thickness is one of the most critical parameters in the industry as it contributes to increased energy density levels. The objective is to achieve the development milestone of 12 µm thickness, while maintaining a high level of consistency, uniformity, and quality.
www.delfortgroup.com
Associated Partner
ENEA is the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, a public body aimed at research, technological innovation, and the provision of advanced services to businesses, public administration, and citizens. His sectors of interest are energy technologies (renewable sources, energy storage, smart grids).
ENEA's primary objective will be to develop electrochemically active materials, characterized by greater capacity and efficiency. Not only is the activity aimed at creating lighter and longer-lasting systems, but also to find solutions that are safe for users and for the environment and fundamentally cheaper than current storage technologies. Additionally, the Advanced Battery Laboratory (AB-Lab) will be built to assist the industry. The AB-LAb is conceived as a flexible and multipurpose platform where it is possible to carry out the entire production process for the creation of newly developed batteries, optimized end-of-life management, and innovative recycling.
https://www.enea.it/en/
Direct Partner
Ferroglobe is one of the world’s largest producers of silicon metal and its alloys, and manganese alloys. The company uses state-of-the-art-technology in its production processes, supplying critical ingredients for many industrial and consumer products, from silicones to solar power cells, from steel to aluminium to foundry components.
Ferroglobe operates its own quartz mines (Spain, South Africa and the USA) and blue gem coal mines (USA) to guarantee top quality raw materials. Ferroglobe counts amongst its clients the largest companies in chemical silicones, polysilicon, aluminium and steel.
Description of the project
The goal of the project is the development of advanced silicon active material for the anode of Li-ion batteries in a cost-effective way and with the lower carbon footprint possible. More concretely, the development of High Purity Silicon Powder either in micrometric size or in nanometric size. We work closely with potential customers to understand their needs regarding their approach to the use of silicon in the anode, and we try our best to design a tailor made solution for them.
Associated Partner
Direct Partner
GES is an Italian innovative SME that develops redox flow batteries for energy storage applications. The current technology is based on a Harvard patent about a semi-organic flow battery, of which GES bought exclusive rights in 2015. Since its foundation, the company proceeded rapidly with product development with an expedited engineering process designed to build the first 1kW prototype in 2016 and four 2.5 kW prototypes successfully tested in 2018.
GES has developed internal know-how, from R&D&I activities on advanced battery electrodes, membranes, electrolytes and testing of battery cells to full battery system manufacturing
Description of the project
The major innovative nature of the project lies in the fact that GES works on an alternative and emerging technology, different from standard Li-ion. Energy storage will play a key role in the future, and this technology has the advantage of power and energy independent scalability that will fulfil different customer’s needs. Compared to current RFBs, GES ones will be safer, more performing, recyclable and they will be produced with renewable energy, i.e. with a very low CO2 footprint. The foreseen new FID infrastructure will combine high-quality processes, state-of-the-art equipment, and top-level competences.
http://www.greenenergystorage.eu
Direct Partner
Established for more than 30 years in Engis near Liège (Belgium), HYDROMETAL is a major recycling and recovery centre for a very wide range of materials (over 70,000t / year), by-products or complex residues containing non-ferrous metals, in particular: Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Sn, Co, other minor metals, precious metals and rare earths.
Hydrometal's expertise is based on different hydrometallurgical processes, unique in the world, which consume very little energy and generate only small amounts of CO2 and ultimate waste.
Its industrial activity is strongly linked to the Zn element with the production pure Zn salts. The recycling of Co, Ni and Li is also part of its know-how.
Description of the project
Hydrometal’s project is an innovative alternative to the state-of-the-art techniques. It offers:
The project of Hydrometal allows to close the recycling loop by carrying out last step of recycling and first step of raw material production, useful for new batteries production.
Direct Partner
Italmatch Chemicals is a Global Specialty Chemical Group, leader in Phosphorus Derivatives for Flame Retardants, Plastics Additives, Lubricant, Water & Oil, Detergency.
With 17 manufacturing plants worldwide (7 in Europe) and 6 excellence R&D centre, Italmatch is active in mainly 4 sectors:
Description of the project
PARSES aims at developing various phosphorus-based additives, to feed the battery value chain at different levels, through:
Direct Partner
Keliber is a Finnish SME aiming at production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide (monohydrate) for the growing Lithium-Ion Battery Industry. Company’s own lithium ore will be used as raw material.
Keliber will utilize sustainable and cost-effective soda pressure leaching technology for hydrometallurgical lithium extraction and lithium hydroxide production. The production is planned to start late 2024 and reach full annual capacity of 15 000 tons of lithium hydroxide monohydrate in 2025 comparable for production of about 25 GWh of lithium-ion batteries.
Description of the project
Keliber’s objective is to develop responsible and sustainable sourcing and processing of primary and secondary lithium resources.
Associated Partner
Lithium Energy is a pioneering Portuguese company aiming to be at the forefront of the energy transition, currently testing a revolutionary technology centered around electrolysis to produce high-grade lithium for batteries. Lifthium's ambition is to provide sustainable and high-quality lithium hydroxide to promote energy transition and contribute to making electric mobility accessible to all.
Lifthium believes that its innovative approach could mark a significant leap forward in sustainable lithium production, promising to reshape the landscape of the European energy transition ecosystem towards the sound establishment of electric mobility. With a planned investment of a billion euros by 2030, Lifthium aims to have two lithium refinement factories operation in Europe with a refining capacity of 50 thousand tons, intending to supply lithium hydroxide to over two million vehicles annually. As leaders in advancing clean energy technologies, Lithium Energy is poised to contribute to the global shift towards greener and more efficient battery technologies.
Associated Partner
The Materials Center Leoben (MCL) is Austria´s leading research centre in the field of materials research and process technology. The strategic objective of the MCL is to develop new expertise by initiating and supporting long-term research collaboration between science and industry in top-level research. The general research program of MCL focuses on “Integrated Computational Materials, Process and Product Engineering”. In particular we accelerate the development of new and improved materials, parts and components for green mobility, microelectronics and energy technology.through computer-aided technologies based on high-end characterization, measurement data, physical models and artificial intelligence (AI).
The scope of the project is to foster accelerated & sustainable material- and cell-development, incorporating unique modern experimental characterization as well as computational artificial intelligence-based analysis tools on different length-scales. We provide knowledge with respect to underlying degradation mechanism on material and cell level in context to the cell performance and processing. Enhanced knowledge about the process-structure-property relationship is delivered by the MCL to boost the development of advanced and sustainable materials, innovative battery cells, and green batteries.
Direct Partner
We are leaders in the development and manufacture of products based on carbon, graphite, carbon fibers, and fiber-reinforced composites.
In partnership with our customers, we develop intelligent, trendsetting, and sustainable solutions that deliver a clear benefit. With our in-depth material, engineering, and application know-how, we make a substantial contribution to the major future topics mobility, energy, and digitization.
Description of the project
With the development and industrialization of novel manufacturing processes and recycling concepts for innovative anode materials, SGL Carbon aims to make an essential contribution to establishing a sustainable and competitive European value chain and circular economy for lithium-ion batteries. The EU climate targets will be significantly supported by the resulting improved carbon footprint, reduced material and energy use, and increased battery lifetime.
Associated Partner
Headquartered in Portugal, Simoldes Plásticos is a key component of the multinational Simoldes, and develops and supplies automotive components, specialized in injection molding, decor (painting), wrapping, covering processes, press cover, and interior lighting. With a worldwide industrial presence, Simoldes Plastics operates 7 plants in Europe, 1 in Morocco, 2 in Brazil, and maintains advanced warehouses for just-in-time & sequencing service logistics. Serving major OEMs like VW Group, Stellantis, Renault, Toyota, BMW, and Volvo Trucks, our comprehensive value chain covers innovation to logistics. Determined in our quest for innovative solutions, we continually challenge the limits of what can be achieved, aiming to be the preferred choice of our customers, employees, and suppliers, while contributing to a sustainable growth and satisfying our stakeholders.
Simoldes’ initiative focuses on creating high-performance sodium-ion cells for both stationary and mobility applications, prioritizing sustainability, safety, and affordability. This project is set to develop and validate this emerging technology in real-world scenarios, laying the groundwork for a future manufacturing plant capable of producing cells with an annual capacity of 250MWh.
https://www.simoldes.com/en/plastics-companies/simoldes-plasticos/
Direct Partner
Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates in 30 countries. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
In the Lithium Battery market Syensqo is focusing the majority of its activities in developing innovative materials that enable battery components (anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, separators..) and cells to improve their performance.
Description of the project
The focus of Syensqo’s innovation efforts in IPCEI projects is to bring new, innovative materials that will allow the advent of next generation batteries. Syensqo, as polymer producer, will develop new materials for the adoption of new cost-effective and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. In addition, Syensqo has proposed a specific project about new polymeric membranes to meet the challenging requirements of Redox-Flow Batteries.
Direct Partner
Direct Partner
Associated Partner
Vianode is an advanced battery materials company providing sustainable anode graphite solutions for the battery and EV value chains. Vianode’s breakthrough solution enables tailored high-performance synthetic anode graphite and a holistic sustainability offering including a 90% reduction in CO2 footprint. The company is currently preparing to start its customer qualification plant at Herøya, Norway, before executing its multi-billion dollar phased investment program for large-scale plants in Europe and North America. The long-term ambition is to supply advanced battery materials to 3 million EVs per year by 2030. Vianode is owned by the world-leading industrial and financial companies Elkem, Hydro and Altor.
The overall aim of project SUSAN (Center for SUStainable ANodes) is to expand the R&D activities within and across Vianode R&D facilities; the Vianode Industrial Pilot (VIP), the Vianode Technology Center (VTC) and the Vianode Customer Qualification Plant (VCQP). Within the project, the VTC and VIP will incubate innovation activities at lower TRLs whereas the VCQP will bring innovations to TRL8, as to speed up qualification processes for novel, sustainable products through cost competitive and green processes. Through this project, Vianode will build a center for excellence, innovation and knowledge sharing for the next generation, high-performing, green battery anode materials. The project will contribute strongly to the IPCEI EuBatIn Workstream 1 “Raw and Advanced Materials” and Workstream 4 “Recycling and sustainability”. Through project SUSAN, EuBatIn members will benefit from a strong innovation partner that will pro-actively contribute to shaping a clean, interconnected, and circular battery value chain built on a European technology and sustainability leadership.
