Sinopec and LG Chem Join Forces to Develop Sodium-Ion Battery Materials

Sinopec and LG Chem Collaborate on Sodium-Ion Battery Materials

On November 5, 2025, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, known as Sinopec, and LG Chem celebrated the signing of a significant agreement focused on the joint development of sodium-ion battery materials. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in their aims to bolster energy storage technologies and meet the rising demands in both local and international markets for electric vehicles (EVs) and electrical energy storage systems.

The partnership's focus will be on developing critical components such as anodes and cathodes for sodium-ion batteries, which are considered a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. These new-age batteries are expected to be commercially viable and offer several advantages, including lower cost, enhanced safety, and better performance in low-temperature conditions, which addresses some of the limitations seen in current battery technologies.

According to industry projections, the demand for sodium-ion batteries in China alone is set to surge dramatically, growing from 10 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2025 to an estimated 292 GWh by 2034 – a staggering average annual growth rate of around 45%. By 2030, it is anticipated that China will produce more than 90% of the world's sodium-ion batteries, thus solidifying its position as a leader in this emerging market.

The agreement was sealed in a ceremony attended by top executives, including Sinopec's President Hou Qijun, Vice President Wan Tao, and LG Chem's CEO Shin Hak-Cheol. This moment underscores their commitment to advancing technologies that contribute to cleaner energy initiatives and sustainable practices. The signing was executed by Bian Fengming, Director General of Sinopec’s Science and Technology Division, and Lee Jong-Kyu, Technical Director at LG Chem, signaling a strong collaborative spirit.

Sinopec’s efforts reflect their strategic goal to achieve global leadership in clean energy and chemical products, and this collaboration with LG Chem is expected to enhance their technological capabilities significantly. President Hou Qijun emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating it will strengthen both companies’ competitive edge in global markets, particularly in light of the ongoing energy transition.

On the other hand, LG Chem’s CEO Shin Hak-Cheol remarked on their reputation as a leader in battery materials, affirming their commitment to providing innovative solutions aligned with the evolving needs of the electric mobility market. This partnership aims to propel forward the development of next-generation battery materials, ensuring that both companies can align their strategies to mutually benefit from future market shifts.

In summary, the Sinopec and LG Chem partnership represents a formidable alliance in the battery technology landscape, poised to deliver innovations that meet the global shift toward sustainable energy. Their joint venture is expected not only to stimulate economic growth in the sector but also to contribute to the vital transformation of the global energy landscape, emphasizing renewable and accessible energy solutions for the future.

For more details, you can visit their official websites. This collaboration is one of the many steps being taken across industries to develop cleaner energy solutions, which form the crux of future initiatives aimed at achieving global sustainability goals.