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Rolled electrodes were placed in cylindrical cans, filled with electrolyte, and sealed with lids. On the conveyor belt running through several pieces of equipment lined up about 30 meters long, '2170' batteries, slightly larger than AA batteries, passed by continuously. The cylindrical battery production line of LG Energy Solution, a global leader in the battery industry, appeared to be a simple process of putting materials into cans and closing them.

An LG Energy Solution official emphasized, "The battery manufacturing process can be explained in three stages: making electrodes, assembling cells, and activating them," adding, "However, LG Energy Solution's unique technology is embedded within these steps."

The process of rolling metal thin films coated with LG Energy Solution's cathode and anode materials to make jelly rolls (Photo by LG Energy Solution)

On the 25th, LG Energy Solution opened its small battery production line at the Ochang Energy Plant located in Ochang-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk Province, to the public for the first time in 12 years since its parent company LG Chem completed an electric vehicle battery factory in 2011. On this day, Lee Chang-yang, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, visited the production site, toured the production line with Lee Bang-su, President of LG Energy Solution, and reviewed the achievements of the battery industry national agenda during the first year of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration.

Cylindrical batteries are made through three main stages. First, cathode and anode materials are each thinly coated on aluminum foil and copper foil, respectively, then rolled into a cylindrical shape called a 'jelly roll' in the 'electrode' process.

Next is the 'assembly' process, where the jelly roll is placed and fixed inside a cylindrical container, electrolyte is poured in, and the cell is sealed. After leaving the cell for 2 to 3 days for 'aging' and conducting charge-discharge tests in the 'activation' process, the battery is finally ready to be used in electric vehicles.

Mass production of LG Energy Solution cylindrical batteries (Photo by LG Energy Solution)

The reporters visited the assembly process on that day. The task of placing the rolled jelly roll into a cylindrical container made of nickel-plated steel and creating the cell was fully automated. As such, the detailed work was carried out with sensitivity and precision.

First, the process of thinly coating the cathode and anode materials to make the jelly roll is a delicate task that must meet the customer's thickness requirements. It must comply with micrometer-level specifications. The jelly roll is fixed by carving grooves to prevent movement inside the cell, and the process also involves adjusting slightly different battery sizes to be uniform.

Additionally, the process of fixing the electrodes attached to the jelly roll inside the container and injecting a precise amount of electrolyte is all done by machines. Even the task of covering the lid called the 'top cap,' welding, and sealing required no human hands.

Mass production of LG Energy Solution cylindrical batteries (Photo by LG Energy Solution)

This showcased the smart factory features pursued by LG Energy Solution. LG Energy Solution has stated, "All newly constructed production lines will fully adopt the latest smart factory-related systems such as remote support, intelligent manufacturing, and logistics automation to maximize productivity."

Furthermore, LG Energy Solution plans to make the Ochang Energy Plant the 'mother factory,' becoming the center of product development and manufacturing.

Currently, about 5,000 employees work at the Ochang Energy Plant, producing batteries used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), and IT devices. The annual battery production capacity will be expanded from 18 GWh to 33 GWh.

Cylindrical battery mass production scene of LG Energy Solution (Photo by LG Energy Solution)

LG Energy Solution is investing 730 billion KRW to expand the cylindrical battery line at the Ochang Energy Plant. The 2170 line will be increased by 4 GWh, and the 4680 line by 9 GWh. Jinwon Park, Vice President of LG Energy Solution, explained, "The new cylindrical production line will complete setup by the end of this year and enter large-scale production."

In particular, 600 billion KRW will be invested to transform the plant into a mother factory. The mother factory is characterized by its ability to conduct test production of products applying next-generation designs and process technologies, as well as verify mass production feasibility. It is expected to significantly accelerate the stabilization of mass production at overseas facilities without leaking our core manufacturing technologies or process know-how.

Next-generation battery research and development will also be pursued sequentially. LG Energy Solution plans to introduce polymer-based all-solid-state batteries in 2026, lithium-sulfur batteries in 2027, and sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries in 2030.

LG Energy Solution Ochang Energy Plant Panorama

Additionally, LG Energy Solution announced it will accelerate securing supply chains to capture the North American market. Vice President Park stated, "With the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), establishing a stable supply chain has become even more important," adding, "We plan to add a cylindrical battery base in Arizona to prepare for increased demand in the North American region." He further explained, "The IRA tax credits are immediately reflected in operating profits, and 100.3 billion KRW was reflected in the first quarter."

Minister Lee Chang-yang of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (left) is inspecting the production site during his visit to LG Energy Solution's Ochang Plant located in Ochang-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk on the 25th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.