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Nexeon breaks ground on first silicon anode material site, plans to start delivering by 2025

April 06, 2024

Nexeon, a developer and manufacturer of advanced silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, has officially commenced construction on its first commercial-scale silicon anode material plant.

The plant, located strategically in Gunsan, South Korea, is adjacent to battery materials company OCI’s facilities, which will provide a “fenceline” supply of silane, a critical raw material. This co-location with OCI will enable capital-efficient scaling for both companies, ensuring the delivery of low-cost, superior silicon anode materials. By 2030, the new facility will have the capacity to produce significant volumes of material annually, allowing Nexeon to supply its pipeline of customers globally.

Nexeon’s silicon anode materials significantly increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, a key factor in extending the range and improving the charging performance of electric vehicles. The company’s second-generation “drop-in” technology allows battery manufacturers to easily integrate higher silicon content into their existing production processes without requiring additional capital expenditure.

The partnership with OCI, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of silane outside of China, provides a secure and cost-effective supply of a key material for Nexeon. The dedicated pipeline for silane delivery streamlines production and minimizes transportation costs, aligning with Nexeon’s sustainability mission. OCI has the capability to scale production alongside Nexeon, ensuring a reliable supply of raw materials far into the future to meet growing market demands. OCI will produce silane by utilizing by-products from an existing manufacturing process used for semiconductor materials, further compounding cost-competitiveness.

“Breaking ground on our first commercial production facility is the culmination of many years of dedication and technical accomplishments by the Nexeon team. It marks a key moment in our growth and reflects the commercial interest customers have shown in our technology,” said Scott Brown, CEO of Nexeon. “By beginning construction on our first commercial production site, we are on track to deliver the game-changing benefits of silicon anode materials to the global battery market.”