Recent developments
European cathode capacity
In northern France, Axens and RTE advanced a battery precursor project through a monitoring committee and a continuous dialogue with residents. The cathode active material production plant project targets 39–43 kt/year, with details shared on footprint, water use, and cooling selection. A public meeting in early April will present study results for the Environmental Authorization Application, while RTE holds a local consultation on the underground electrical transmission line route.
Solid-state build-out
Syensqo and Axens launched Argylium to accelerate industrialization of sulfide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries in Europe, leveraging IFPEN, a La Rochelle pilot line, and collaborations with research institutions, automotive OEMs, and battery manufacturers. Following leadership appointments at Argylium, the JV set a 500 Wh/kg target for 2028–2030, established Paris and La Rochelle sites for R&D and scale-up, and outlined a four-phase roadmap with funding rounds and large-scale pilot synthesis investments.
Durable eMobility polymers
To meet extended EV duty cycles, BASF's latest polyamide generation, Ultramid, was tested under hydrolysis conditions (water–glycol) using Arrhenius-based life prediction. Initiated in 2020, results indicate extrapolated durability beyond 100,000 hours, aligned with automotive requirements of 45,000–55,000 hours at operating temperatures. The material combines hydrolysis resistance, laser markability, glass-fiber reinforcement, and low halogen content for connectors, housings, and thermal management components in vehicles.
Gases for semiconductors
Air Liquide completed the acquisition of DIG Airgas in South Korea, doubling its local workforce and targeting about €900 million in combined sales. The country’s industrial gas market, ranked fourth globally, is projected to double by 2035. The transaction brings secured growth from nearly 20 projects under long-term contracts, with more than €50 million in additional EBITDA expected by 2030 across semiconductors, clean energy, mobility, and biopharma.
Korea specialty shift
LOTTE Chemical is restructuring its naphtha cracking center operations toward higher-value specialties via mergers and facility integrations. A 500,000 t/y compounding plant at Yulchon and expanded Super Engineering Plastics capacity are planned. LOTTE Energy Materials supplies high-end copper and circuit foils for batteries and AI, while a new TMAH facility in Pyeongtaek supports semiconductor manufacturing. Hydrogen initiatives include a 20 MW fuel cell plant in Ulsan (aiming for 80 MW) and a high-pressure hydrogen distribution center.