POSCO Future M breaks ground on high-nickel NCA cathode material plant in Gwangyang

POSCO Future M has begun constructing a dedicated high-nickel NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) cathode material factory in Gwangyang, Jeonnam, following its facility in Pohang, Gyeongbuk.

On the 22nd, POSCO Future M held a groundbreaking ceremony at the Yulchon 1st Industrial Complex in Gwangyang, attended by CEO Kim Jun-hyung, Samsung SDI Vice President Kim Ik-hyun, and others.

The production capacity of this factory is 52,500 tons per year, enough to produce batteries for approximately 580,000 electric vehicles (based on 60kWh). All NCA cathode materials produced here will be supplied exclusively to Samsung SDI.

High-nickel NCA cathode materials are made from nickel (N), cobalt (C), and aluminum (A) raw materials, characterized by high energy density and output.

Since April last year, POSCO Future M has started producing high-nickel NCA cathode materials on some lines at its Gwangyang cathode material factory. It is also building a high-nickel NCA factory in Pohang with an annual capacity of 30,000 tons. Once the dedicated factories in Pohang and Gwangyang are completed by the end of this year and the first half of next year respectively, POSCO Future M will be able to produce 82,500 tons of high-nickel NCA cathode materials annually.

On the 22nd, POSCO Future M held a groundbreaking ceremony for the NCA cathode material factory in Gwangyang, Jeonnam. Photo by POSCO Future M

The dedicated NCA cathode material factories in Pohang and Gwangyang plan to expand production of single-crystal cathode materials, whose demand is increasing due to the high-performance requirements of electric vehicles. Single-crystal cathode materials are made by bonding raw materials into a single particle structure, enhancing battery thermal stability and lifespan, and require advanced technology in the manufacturing process.

POSCO Future M explained, "Following the domestic first mass production of NCMA (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese-Aluminum) single-crystal cathode materials in March last year, we have established a mass production and supply system for NCA single-crystal cathode materials as well, further solidifying our position as a leading high value-added technology company."

Meanwhile, the POSCO Group is creating a secondary battery material complex in Gwangyang, consisting of cathode material production (POSCO Future M), lithium production (POSCO Philabar Lithium Solutions), and recycling (POSCO HY Clean Metal). Among these, the Gwangyang cathode material factory, completed in November 2022, has an annual production capacity of 90,000 tons.

Currently, POSCO Future M operates cathode material mass production factories with an annual capacity of 155,000 tons in Gwangyang, Pohang, Gumi, and China. It plans to expand production capacity to 215,000 tons by the end of this year. In the future, it aims to add production bases in North America and increase annual production to 1 million tons by 2030.

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