Latest news with #SamsungSDI
Nikkei Asia
a day ago
- Automotive
- Nikkei Asia
Korean battery firms grow US market share as restrictions on China tighten
An LG Energy Solution electric-vehicle battery pack at the InterBattery exhibition in Seoul on March 5. South Korean battery manufacturers are expanding their presence in the U.S. market. PAK YIU NEW YORK -- South Korean and Japanese battery companies are set to expand their market share in the United States as regulations increasingly restrict Chinese competitors' foothold. South Korea's LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On have been scaling up their local production and strengthening partnerships, while Japanese tech giant Panasonic recently began local production of its lithium-ion batteries. These developments come even as U.S. President Donald Trump's spending legislation pares back tax incentives for wind, solar and electric vehicles.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Samsung SDI beats rivals in W1tr government ESS bid
Samsung SDI has secured the lion's share of the 1 trillion won ($725 million) worth of South Korean energy storage systems up for government bidding, leveraging its technological prowess in the advanced battery cells. According to media reports Monday, Samsung SDI won bids for six out of Korea's eight ESS projects, outpacing its domestic rivals — LG Energy Solution and SK On. This was the first round of ESS construction project bids overseen by the government, and covered a total of 3,240 MWh of energy storage in eight regions, including South and North Jeolla Province, North Gyeongsang Province, Gangwon Province and Jeju Island, by the end of 2026. Samsung SDI's dominance in the bidding, accounting for 2,790 MWh of the total storage, was driven by its strengths in 'non-price criteria,' which made up 40 percent of the evaluation. These criteria assessed technological capability and contributions to the domestic industry — areas where Samsung SDI stood out. Among other things, the company produces most of its ESS battery cells at its Ulsan plant, backed by a robust local supply chain, and showcased its latest thermal safety technology as part of the bid. Samsung SDI was reported to have highlighted its thermal propagation prevention solutions by integrating 'enhanced direct injection' technology — its third-generation ESS safety advancement — into the Samsung Battery Box ESS product. This method swiftly reduces the temperature at the heat source in the battery cell after spraying a fire extinguishing agent through pipes connected to the ESS battery module. This innovation prevents heat spread to neighboring battery cells in the ESS device more effectively than the company's previous solutions, which used either a fire-suppressing sheet or directly injected a fire extinguishing agent into the cells. Samsung SDI's SBB has also received global safety certifications, including recognition from UL, a US-based safety certification organization. Industry watchers say Samsung SDI's win in the domestic ESS project is notable as it was accomplished using its high-capacity nickel cobalt aluminum batteries, as opposed to the increasingly popular lithium iron phosphate batteries introduced by its rivals. LFP battery cells are cheaper and are generally considered to be more stable than NCA cells. LG Energy Solution, a pioneer of the ESS LFP battery sector, started mass production of LFP cells in its Michigan plant last month, while forging a 1,000 MWh supply deal from Poland's state-run power company. SK On has completed prototype development earlier this year. However, LG Energy Solution — which previously won 200 billion won and 830 billion won ESS projects for Jeju Island and the Korea Electric Power Corp. — secured two projects in this bid, for Pyoseon in Jeju and Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province. SK On did not secure any contracts in this bid. The results of the first ESS bids will be finalized if no objections are raised by Thursday. A second round of competitive bidding for new contracts is scheduled for the latter half of the year, with further details to be announced by the Korea Power Exchange.
![[Exclusive] SK On revs up prismatic battery push with new pilot line](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F07%2F25%2Fnews-p.v1.20250725.a221c1b78b0f4680955924bd3c1fd773_T1.png&w=3840&q=100)
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
[Exclusive] SK On revs up prismatic battery push with new pilot line
Korean battery maker eyes edge over Chinese rivals by diversifying cost-effective battery offerings SK On has begun setting up a pilot line for unidirectional prismatic battery cells at its Daejeon research center this week, as demand grows for this more space-efficient battery format in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. 'Unidirectional' or 'top terminal' cells refer to a battery design in which current flows through terminals placed on the top, optimizing the use of space and simplifying their integration into EVs. Prismatic cells can be made rectangular, unlike the more traditional cylindrical cells. This allows for higher energy density, as there is less empty space between the cells when packed together to make batteries. This initiative marks the completion of SK On's prismatic battery road map, following its earlier launch of a pilot line in 2023 for 'bidirectional' or 'side terminal' prismatic cells, which feature terminals on opposite sides to enhance current distribution and thermal efficiency. 'The initial setup of SK On's unidirectional prismatic battery pilot line — involving equipment delivery, positioning, unpacking, and installation — has start this week,' said an industry source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'Full-scale construction will begin next week, focusing on integrating utilities such as electrical connections.' The source added that sample production will commence soon after the line setup is complete, with a mass production schedule to be determined through client negotiations. The move is part of SK On's broader push to narrow the gap with domestic rival Samsung SDI, which already mass-produces unidirectional prismatic cells, while also preparing for large-scale production of bidirectional cells. LG Energy Solution is likewise developing prismatic batteries through a partnership with General Motors in the US and is reportedly building a pilot line at its Ochang plant in North Chungcheong Province. However, the specific type of prismatic cell remains undisclosed. Demand for prismatic battery cells is accelerating due to their high energy density, enhanced safety, and packaging efficiency — qualities that make them well-suited for both electric vehicles and energy storage systems. According to India-based Market Report Analytics, the global prismatic battery market is expected to grow from approximately $25 billion in 2028 to $40 billion by 2033. Automakers including Hyundai Motor Group, GM, Volkswagen, and Ford are increasingly adopting prismatic designs for next-generation EVs and hybrid vehicles. Samsung SDI, for example, signed a seven-year deal with Hyundai Motor in 2023 to supply batteries for its European EV lineup between 2026 and 2032. GM is working with LG Energy Solution on similar deployments. Though SK On has not disclosed specific customers, media reports suggest it may pursue supply deals with China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, following a strategic agreement signed last year. Geely owns global brands such as Geely Auto, Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. SK On first unveiled its unidirectional and bidirectional prismatic prototypes at the InterBattery 2025 exhibition in Seoul in March. Industry experts say its expansion into unidirectional designs could help SK On build a more diversified customer base and better compete with Chinese firms such as CATL and CALB. Those companies have primarily focused on bidirectional formats, which are optimal for cell-to-pack systems that eliminate conventional battery modules. In contrast, unidirectional cells are better suited for modular systems, where battery cells are arranged into packs via intermediate modules — still widely favored in many EV platforms.
Korea Herald
21-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
LS Electric targets 50% output boost at Vietnam plant
New production to serve Samsung SDI's ESS units, electrical needs of LG, Vingroup HANOI, Vietnam ― LS Electric aims to boost production capacity by 50 percent to $60 million at its facility in the city of Bac Ninh, just east of Hanoi, Vietnam, by expanding output for battery control panels and electrical protection devices. This strategic initiative is part of LS Electric CEO and Chair Koo Ja-kyun's commitment to Southeast Asia, the world's second-largest market for electric power systems after North America. '(On July 14,) Koo approved the construction project for a three-story building at the Bac Ninh plant,' said Choi Jong-hoon, general director of LS Electric Vietnam, during a group interview last Wednesday. 'The site will focus on the efficient manufacturing of mass-produced items, including battery control panels for Samsung SDI and air circuit breakers.' Battery control panels are control units designed to monitor and control battery voltage and protect battery systems in energy storage system products such as Samsung SDI's Samsung Battery Box. Air circuit breakers are devices that prevent abnormal electrical flow within power distribution systems used in industrial plants, commercial buildings, data centers and other facilities. According to Kim Sung-ho, technical director of LS Electric Vietnam, the Bac Ninh site seeks to increase its capacity from $40 million in 2022 to $60 million after completing the production expansion. Notably, it will manufacture approximately 10,000 air circuit breakers annually, spurred by recent investments from LS Electric's global competitors in Vietnam's electrical device market. Following the capacity growth, the facility will hire around 100 additional workers, increasing total employment to 500. As of May, it has 372 employees, with plans to expand to 400 by 2026. 'Starting with 20 billion won ($14.4 million) sales revenue in 2020, the Vietnam unit is set to achieve roughly 200 billion won this year,' noted Choi. 'In addition to the expansion project for the existing (Bac Ninh) plant, we are exploring the construction of additional facilities in Vietnam. Our goal is to reach $300 million in revenue by 2030.' Choi highlighted that the Vietnamese base is at the forefront of catering to the rapidly evolving global trend toward integrated energy solutions and high-value service offerings beyond production and sales. It already exports 60 percent of its production output to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Kenya and other countries. As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Vietnam also benefits from exemptions on intraregional export tariffs. Previously, it had focused on high-end power distribution panels as well as low-voltage power equipment. It supplied electric power solutions for South Korean companies' commercial buildings in Hanoi, including the Lotte Mall, Lotte Center and Landmark 72. In addition to Samsung SDI, the plant currently supplies LG Group factories in the Haiphong industrial park as well as utility company Electricity of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City and Vingroup, Vietnam's largest conglomerate. One of the standout features of the Bac Ninh plant is how it uses flow production to maximize production efficiency, Kim noted. Unlike LS Electric's Cheongju facility in North Chungcheong Province, the site has few partner companies with which it can outsource manufacturing and support services. In the assembly line for battery control panels, the production team, identified by their green hats, manages the cabling for power connections in energy storage systems and places the modular components in pallets. Inspectors in yellow hats then determine whether they can proceed to the next stage and finally be attached to ESS products. These modules are designed to seamlessly integrate into the overall production process, enhancing time and cost efficiency while allowing for easy customization. Established in 1997, LS Electric's production facility in Dong Anh, inside Hanoi, relocated east of the city to Bac Ninh in 2022, expanding its capacity. Currently holding 40 percent market share in Vietnam's low-voltage power equipment sector, LS Electric Vietnam aims to capitalize on the Vietnamese government's renewable energy initiatives under its eighth Power Development Plan, which seeks to develop smart grids for modernizing power distribution systems.
Globe and Mail
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
NEO Battery Appoints Battery Gigafactory Production Veteran, Seok Joung Youn, as Head of Manufacturing & Facility Operations
Appointed Mr. Seok Joung Youn as Head of Manufacturing & Facility Operations 40 Years of Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing & Quality Control Experience from Samsung SDI and Global Battery Startups Launched World's First Wide Electrode Production Line for Samsung EV Batteries Will Direct Production of High-Quality Electrodes and Large-Format Battery Cells for Robust Testing & Validation for Global Battery Partners TORONTO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEO Battery Materials Ltd. ('NEO' or the 'Company') (T S X V: NBM) (OTC: NBMFF), a low-cost silicon anode materials developer that enables longer-running, rapid-charging lithium-ion batteries, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Seok Joung Youn as Head of Manufacturing and Facility Operations. Mr. Youn brings 40 years of lithium-ion battery and facility operations experience and leadership from Samsung SDI, the world's 7 th -largest battery cell manufacturer, and global battery startups. With a technical background spanning process engineering and quality control, Mr. Youn acted in key roles in developing and realizing production efficiencies in high-volume manufacturing for both small-format and automotive batteries. During his tenure at Samsung, Mr. Youn successfully launched the battery industry's first 1,200mm-wide electrode production line for electric vehicles. Along with stabilizing product yield and establishing operator protocols, Mr. Youn enhanced Samsung's global battery deployment capacity and reduced costs from lowered defects. He subsequently held senior roles at global battery startups, including EoCell, where he led pilot production lines for a European gigafactory's commercial-level qualification and start-of-production (SOP). Along with Dr. J.S. Jeoung, SVP of Commercialization & Cell Development, Mr. Youn will lead manufacturing operations to ensure NEO's quality adheres to standards required by its global battery partners. He will also direct the production of high-quality electrodes and large-format cells, which are integral to testing and validating NEO's silicon battery materials at near-commercial scale. As the Company moves toward expanding silicon battery capacity, Mr. Youn's expertise and leadership are expected to facilitate the transition from material innovation to real-world application. Mr. Spencer Huh, President & CEO of NEO, stated, ' We are honoured to welcome Mr. Youn to NEO Battery Materials, and we are excited to build a well-rounded team that covers the full spectrum of battery manufacturing and technology. Mr. Youn retains deep operational experience and a proven ability to lead high-precision, large-scale battery manufacturing, having worked at Samsung and other global companies. His know-how and leadership will further strengthen our execution capabilities as we proceed to the next phase of commercial readiness. ' About NEO Battery Materials Ltd. NEO Battery Materials is a Canadian battery materials technology company focused on developing silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, electronics, and energy storage systems. With a patent-protected, low-cost manufacturing process, NEO Battery enables longer-running and ultra-fast charging batteries compared to existing state-of-the-art technologies. The Company aims to be a globally-leading producer of silicon anode materials for the electric vehicle and energy storage industries. For more information, please visit the Company's website at: On Behalf of the Board of Directors Spencer Huh Director, President, and CEO For Investor Relations, PR & More Information: info@ T: +1 (437) 451-7678 This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified notably by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: volatile stock prices; the general global markets and economic conditions; the possibility of write-downs and impairments; the risk associated with the research and development of advanced and battery-related technologies; the risk associated with the effectiveness and feasibility of technologies that have not yet been tested or proven on commercial scale; manufacturing process scale-up risks, including maintaining consistent material quality, production yields, and process reproducibility at a pilot or commercial scale; compatibility issues with existing battery chemistries and unforeseen the risks associated with entering into and maintaining collaborations, joint ventures, or partnerships with battery cell manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, and various companies in the global battery supply chain; the risks associated with the construction, completion, and financing of commercial facilities including the Windsor and South Korean facilities; the risks associated with supply chain disruptions or cost fluctuations in raw materials, processing chemicals, and additive prices, impacting production costs and commercial viability; the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of research, development and production; competition faced by the Company in securing experienced personnel and financing; access to adequate infrastructure and resources to support battery materials research and development activities; the risks associated with changes in the technology regulatory regime governing the Company; the risks associated with the timely execution of the Company's strategies and business plans; the risks associated with the lithium-ion battery industry's demand and adoption of the Company's silicon anode technology; market adoption and integration challenges, including the difficulty of incorporating silicon anodes within battery manufacturers and OEMs systems; the risks associated with the various environmental and political regulations the Company is subject to; risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; the reliance on key personnel; liquidity risks; the risk of litigation; risk management; and other risk factors as identified in the Company's recent Financial Statements and MD&A and in recent securities filings for the Company which are available on Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued R&D and commercialization activities, no material adverse change in precursor prices, development and commercialization plans to proceed in accordance with plans and such plans to achieve their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's business, operations, research and development, and commercialization plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this presentation, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
