- SK IE Technology is investing KRW 1.13 trillion to build two new separator plants in Silesia, Poland.
- The new plants will increase annual production capacity to 1.54 billion m2 by 2024.
- Construction of Plant 3 and Plant 4 will begin in Q3 2023 and start production by the end of 2023.
- Separators are crucial for EV battery safety and performance, comprising 15-20% of production costs.
Investment Overview
SK IE Technology, a subsidiary of SK Innovation, is making a significant investment of KRW 1.13 trillion to construct two new separator plants in Silesia, Poland. This marks the largest single investment in the company's history.
Production Capacity
The new plants, Plant 3 and Plant 4, will each have an annual production capacity of 430 million m2. Combined with the existing Plant 1 and Plant 2, this will bring the total annual production capacity in Poland to 1.54 billion m2 by 2024.
Importance of Separators
Separators are essential components in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), directly impacting their safety and performance. They account for approximately 15-20% of the battery production cost.
Market Demand and Safety
The investment is driven by the rapidly growing demand for EV batteries and the need for safety-certified separators. Recent fire incidents in EV batteries have highlighted the importance of reliable separators, and SK IE Technology's products have a strong safety record.
Construction Timeline
Construction of the new plants will begin in the third quarter of 2023, with production expected to start by the end of the same year. The existing Plant 1 will begin production in the third quarter of this year, and Plant 2 in the first quarter of 2023.
Future Outlook
With the new investments, SK IE Technology aims to solidify its position as a leading manufacturer in the global separator market, which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
