Nippon Shokubai to build $270 million electrolyte plant in Fukuoka
The project has been adopted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a “plan related to initiatives for ensuring stable supply of batteries.”
Nippon Shokubai is building a USD 270 million LiFSI (electrolyte) plant for lithium-ion batteries in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture with the goal of starting commercial operations by 2028, according to a media release.
LiFSI or Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide is used as the electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries and contributes to enhanced EV performance such as reducing charging time, extending EV range and improving output power at low-temperature environments.
The project has been adopted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a “plan related to initiatives for ensuring stable supply of batteries.” The investment amount is expected to be up to 37.5 billion JPY (around USD 270 million) including a subsidy of up to 12.5 billion JPY.
The new plant is expected to have an annual production capacity of 3,000 metric tons, under the IONEL™ brand.
The Japanese government has set a goal of establishing a domestic manufacturing capacity of 150 GWh/year by 2030 for rechargeable batteries, which are indispensable for the spread of EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
