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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] LG Energy Solution is set to begin production of sodium-ion batteries this year, raising attention on whether the company can reshape the market currently led by China.
According to industry sources on January 20, LG Energy Solution plans to establish a pilot production line for sodium-ion batteries at its Nanjing plant in China. The pilot line will allow the company to test manufacturability and assess the feasibility of large-scale production.
The company has conducted research and development of next-generation batteries at its Daejeon Technology Research Center. Prototypes, or A-samples, will be produced at its Ochang plant in North Chungcheong Province, which serves as the “mother factory” for key production processes. Subsequent B-samples (near-final products) and C-samples (mass-production ready products) will be produced at the Nanjing facility.
The sodium-ion battery pilot line is also expected to be established at the Nanjing plant. Considering China’s leading position in the sodium-ion battery market, local production enables access to abundant material supply chains, including cathode materials.
LG Energy Solution aims to complete the pilot line and commence sample production within this year, accelerating the commercialization of next-generation batteries.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
