23,000 Flock to InterBattery Opening Day...Solid-State and AI Battery Competition Heats Up

Expanding Beyond Electric Vehicles to ESS and AI Data Centers
Materials and Cell Companies Showcase Next-Generation Battery Technologies

The Korea Battery Industry Association and COEX announced on March 11 that approximately 23,000 people visited the exhibition hall on the opening day of InterBattery 2026, setting a record for the highest number of visitors in the event's history. This figure represents an increase of about 5% compared to the 21,781 attendees during the same period last year.

Scene from InterBattery 2026. Provided by Korea Battery Industry Association

According to the Korea Battery Industry Association on March 12, this year's exhibition confirmed that the battery industry, previously focused on electric vehicles, is rapidly expanding into areas such as energy storage systems (ESS), artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, and robotics. In particular, major companies unveiled technologies aimed at the physical AI era, including all-solid-state batteries, battery safety technologies, and next-generation energy storage solutions, signaling the intensification of technological competition.

SAMSUNG SDI showcased all-solid-state battery and high-safety ESS battery technologies and revealed its high-reliability battery strategy targeting AI data centers and large-scale energy storage systems. LG Energy Solution introduced its battery platform strategy, expanding beyond electric vehicle batteries to encompass ESS and industrial applications. SK On also unveiled its high energy density battery technology and R&D strategy, highlighting the potential for application in future mobility sectors such as robotics and urban air mobility (UAM).

Materials companies also presented their strategies for responding to the next-generation battery market. POSCO Future M introduced its strategy for implementing high energy density batteries based on high-performance cathode and anode material technologies. Ecopro revealed its nickel-based cathode material technology and next-generation material development direction, emphasizing its role within the global supply chain.

There were also examples of collaboration within the battery value chain. JR Energy Solution is partnering with Norwegian battery company Morrow Batteries to target the European market. By utilizing Morrow’s industrial electrode production infrastructure, they plan to establish local electrode foundry services in Europe and expand the supply of cell components.

On March 12, the second day of the event, "The Battery Conference" and the "2026 Korea-German Battery Forum" will be held to discuss next-generation battery technologies and global cooperation strategies. POSCO Future M and all-solid-state battery company Factorial Energy will present a case study on joint development of all-solid-state batteries, and renowned global scholars are expected to share the technological challenges and research directions for all-solid-state batteries.

An official from the InterBattery Secretariat stated, "InterBattery has established itself as a platform for sharing the latest technologies and cooperation strategies in the global battery industry," adding, "During the exhibition period, a variety of technology presentations and industry collaborations will continue."

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