New facility

Solvay opens a new pilot research unit at its plant in La Rochelle, France. The unit will enable Solvay to scale up development of advanced inorganic materials for solid electrolytes. They are a key component of the next generation of batteries for the automotive industry.

The new facility will assess the industrial feasibility of the materials used in the manufacturing process of generation 4 batteries. Or they are so-called “solid state” batteries. Solid state batteries are expected to replace lithium-ion batteries in the coming years. This is because they will offer increased safety, improved performance and a reduction in the total cost of ownership.

Solvay’s leading position in battery technologies makes it a key player in this field. As a result, it hopes that the company supports its customers in this transition. The pilot unit, which is part of Solvay’s Battery growth platform, will enable the Group to answer customers’ needs by delivering products on a semi-industrial scale. Solvay will also carry out process studies to help prepare for the industrialization phase in the coming years.

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