Nippon Shokubai to expand LiFSI capacity at Hunan Fluopont JV
- Adds 10,000 MT/Y LiFSI (IONEL™) production capacity at Hunan Fluopont.
- Phased commercial ramp: 3,000 MT/Y in FY2026 and 7,000 MT/Y in FY2027.
- Total supply capacity will reach 12,400 MT/Y by 2027 (current capacity 2,400 MT/Y).
- Expansion will be financed with Hunan Fluopont’s own funds and borrowings; no additional capital from Nippon Shokubai.
Background
LiFSI (lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, trade name IONEL™) is a lithium salt used as an electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. In China, demand for LiFSI is rising rapidly as EV performance requirements increase—longer life, faster charging and better low-temperature output—and ESS demand is also expanding. Hunan Fluopont increased capacity via debottlenecking from 1,200 MT/Y in FY2022 to 2,400 MT/Y at present, prompting a further supply expansion.
Investment overview
Nippon Shokubai will expand production at Hunan Fluopont by 10,000 MT/Y, staged to achieve commercial operation of 3,000 MT/Y in FY2026 and 7,000 MT/Y in FY2027. The phased addition brings total capacity to 12,400 MT/Y by 2027. The expansion will be built at Hunan Fluopont’s existing plant site and financed through Hunan Fluopont’s own funds and borrowings; no additional capital contribution from Nippon Shokubai is expected.
Hunan Fluopont corporate profile
Hunan Fluopont is located in Shigu District, Hengyang, Hunan, China, and manufactures and sells LiFSI for lithium-ion batteries. Paid-in capital is RMB 176.99 million. Shareholders are Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., Ltd. (51.19%), Nippon Shokubai (38.00%), Toyota Tsusho (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (5.50%) and Changsha ShinLian Huayuan Alternative Energy Partnership Enterprise (5.31%).
Source: shokubai.co.jp
