BASF Manufactures Battery Materials In Its Own Cathode Factory

Video: BASF Manufactures Battery Materials In Its Own Cathode Factory

2023 Author : Hannah Pearcy | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-06-05 00:21

BASF has announced Schwarzheide / Germany as a new production location for battery materials . The BASF Harjavalta plant in Finland produces the preliminary products for this, which are then used in Schwarzheide for the production of cathode materials. Both plants are scheduled to go into operation in 2022

With these systems, BASF will be the first supplier of cathode materials with local production capacities in the three main markets of Asia, the USA and Europe. The chemical group thus offers the base metals, in particular nickel and cobalt, for the production of primary products and cathode materials.

"The plants in Finland and Germany will offer our customers reliable access to tailor-made, high-nickel cathode materials near their European production facilities," says Dr. Peter Schuhmacher, President, Catalysts Division, BASF.

150 new jobs are created

A modular structure and the infrastructure of the plant in Schwarzheide enable rapid expansion of production capacities and enable BASF to meet the increasing customer demand for the European market for electric vehicles. The location uses an energy-efficient gas and steam turbine power plant that works on the principle of combined heat and power.

It is currently being modernized to further increase eco-efficiency. According to Jürgen Fuchs, Chairman of the Board of Management of BASF Schwarzheide GmbH, BASF is sending a clear signal here for structural change in Lusatia . Around 150 new jobs are to be created at the Schwarzheide location.

Until the plant goes into operation, renewable energies should also be integrated. The Harjavalta facility will use renewable energy, including hydro, wind and biomass power. This energy will make it possible cathode materials with a very low CO ₂ offer footprint.

With its investments in Harjavalta / Finland and Schwarzheide / Germany, BASF is reaffirming its support for the European Commission's agenda towards a European value chain for battery production. They are part of the important project of common European interest ("IPCEI"), which was approved by the European Commission on 9 December 2019 in accordance with the state aid rules of the European Union.