Summary
- Idemitsu Kosan is planning to build a production facility for lithium sulfide for all-solid-state battery materials
- The company aims to expand its production capacity to 3 GWh of storage batteries annually
- They have partnered with Umicore to co-develop catholyte materials for solid-state batteries
- Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in June 2027 in Chiba, Japan
- The initiative has been approved by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and is eligible for a grant of up to ¥7.1 billion
Article
Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan has announced plans to build a large-scale production facility for lithium sulfide, an intermediate raw material crucial for the mass production of all-solid-state battery materials. The company intends to expand its production capacity to the equivalent of 3 GWh of storage batteries annually and establish an integrated value chain from raw materials to intermediate materials and final products. As part of this initiative, Idemitsu has partnered with Belgian materials firm Umicore to co-develop catholyte materials, which combine cathode active materials and solid electrolytes.
Lithium sulfide is produced from sulfur components generated as a byproduct during the manufacturing of petroleum products and plays a vital role in the production of solid electrolytes. Idemitsu plans to complete construction of the ¥21.3 billion facility within its complex in Chiba, Japan by June 2027. The company aims to commercialize solid-state batteries in 2027-2028 and accelerate the commercialization of solid electrolytes. This project has received approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a “plan for ensuring supply of storage batteries” and is eligible for a grant of up to ¥7.1 billion.
Idemitsu has a history of working with lithium sulfide, having established mass production technology for the material back in 1994. The company currently operates two small-scale verification facilities and began the basic design of a large pilot facility in October 2024. The decision to construct a large-scale facility for lithium sulfide production was made to support the mass production of solid electrolytes in the future. By investing in this technology and infrastructure, Idemitsu is positioning itself to play a significant role in the advancement of all-solid-state battery materials and the broader push towards more sustainable energy solutions.
The collaboration with Umicore to develop catholyte materials highlights Idemitsu’s commitment to innovation and partnership in the battery materials space. By working together with a leading materials firm, the company is leveraging expertise and resources to advance the development of key components for solid-state batteries. With the goal of establishing an integrated value chain from raw materials to final products, Idemitsu is aiming to strengthen its position in the battery materials market and contribute to the wider adoption of solid-state battery technology.
Overall, Idemitsu Kosan’s plans for a large-scale lithium sulfide production facility represent a strategic move towards supporting the mass production of solid electrolytes and all-solid-state battery materials. By investing in advanced technology and collaboration with industry partners, the company is laying the foundation for future success in the rapidly evolving battery materials sector. With approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and access to government grants, Idemitsu is well-positioned to achieve its goals and contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions in the coming years.
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