Idemitsu Kosan's New Milestone in Solid-State Battery Technology
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., headquartered in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo, has received recognition from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for its ambitious development plans in the field of production technology for sulfide-based solid electrolytes. As part of the initiative titled “Supply Security Plan for Batteries,” the company is set to enhance its second small-scale demonstration plant located in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture. This plant aims to scale up the production capabilities crucial for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
The initiative includes plans to augment the company’s production capacity for solid electrolytes, targeting an annual output of several tons. The increase is essential for accelerating the development of mass production technologies that will meet growing market demands. Idemitsu Kosan intends to finalize investments for a manufacturing facility capable of producing batteries equivalent to 3 GWh annually, depending on market conditions and technological developments at the end of the project's assistance phase.
Overview of the Government-Recognized Battery Supply Security Plan
- - Item: Sulfide-based solid electrolytes
- - Scope of Action: Introduction, development, and improvement of production technology
- - Investment Amount: Approximately 1.1 billion yen
- - Subsidy Amount: Up to around 600 million yen
As the electric vehicle (EV) market evolves and the push for a resource-circulating society strengthens, the role of solid electrolytes in the development of all-solid-state batteries becomes increasingly crucial. Idemitsu Kosan is focused on developing and establishing a robust production system for solid electrolytes, which are vital materials for these next-generation batteries. At the second plant, the company is developing mass production technologies for a different type of sulfide-based solid electrolyte than the one planned for a large pilot facility that was announced to start basic design in October 2024.
Investment and Future Directions
Idemitsu Kosan's strategic roadmap includes technical verifications aimed at evaluating investments for mass production equipment. By bolstering the supply chain for batteries, which is a key policy direction set by the government, the company aims to enhance the competitiveness of Japan's battery industry.
References and Further Reading
For further information on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's initiatives regarding stable battery supply, you can visit:
Supply Security for Batteries
Additionally, several press releases outlining the company’s advancements in solid electrolyte technology and the establishment of production facilities can be accessed here:
For inquiries, please reach out to the Idemitsu Kosan Public Relations Department:
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