Umicore has inaugurated one of the most advanced solid-state battery material prototyping facilities in Olen, Belgium, which will expand and accelerate its innovation and technology development after having acquired strong research expertise with the support of the Flemish government (VLAIO - Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen). Solid state batteries are expected to propel electric mobility and will complement Umicore’s world leading portfolio of battery materials technologies.

The 600 m² facility with state-of-the-art installations and equipment supports the full chain of solid-state battery development -- from the formulation of the materials, their characterization and production, to battery cell assembly and subsequent testing on battery level. With this complete approach it is possible to develop new material categories, including catholytes, which combine cathode active materials and solid electrolytes.

“Umicore’s unique prototyping center will further scale up and advance our innovation and technology leadership in solid-state battery chemistries which we’ve been developing since 2017 with multiple key patents. We are committed to our frontrunner position in the cathode materials industry, and this new facility is a critical step in strengthening our leadership even further, increasing our capacity for prototyping and with that our ability to support our customers by a factor of more than 10,” said Mathias Miedreich, CEO of Umicore.

Umicore has transformed an industrial building on its site in Olen, which also harbors the Group’s Research and Development headquarters, into this unique cutting-edge facility.

Umicore’s leading battery materials technology portfolio consists of its present mid-to-high nickel NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) technologies, near-term manganese-rich HLM (high lithium, manganese) technologies and future Na-ion (sodium-ion) cathodes and solid-state battery technologies. Solid-state batteries are the next-generation batteries with performance improvements on several fronts. Their higher energy density will increase the driving range of electric vehicles and allow for their faster charging. The replacement of today’s liquid electrolyte with a solid one will enhance the safety and lifespan of rechargeable batteries, reduce their size, weight and ultimately, cost.