Epsilon Group acquires cathode active material tech center in Germany

Epsilon Group, a battery materials manufacturer based in India, has announced its acquisition of Johnson Matthey’s lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) cathode active material technology centre in Moosburg, Germany. The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

The facility is known for its advanced technical capabilities and a skilled workforce specializing in LFP chemistry, as well as comprehensive product and process development capabilities. It also includes a versatile customer qualification plant designed for testing new materials for large-scale production, as stated in their official statement.

This acquisition will enable Epsilon to offer a proven high-performance cathode active material on a larger scale. According to Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon Group, “At Epsilon, we envision a world powered by sustainable energy alternatives. Our advancement in anode research and manufacturing was a first step, and this acquisition underscores our commitment to serving our global clientele with sustainable and reliable material.”

The strategic location of the Moosburg R&D center offers Epsilon a valuable opportunity to access European expertise in battery materials and serve a global clientele. By leveraging the existing infrastructure and capabilities of the Moosburg facility, Epsilon aims to accelerate technology development and scale-up timeframe. This acquisition aligns with Epsilon’s objective to eventually address a demand of 100 GWh. Additionally, Epsilon had previously announced a $1.1 billion investment in establishing a 100,000-ton anode battery materials manufacturing facility in Bellari, Karnataka, India, with subsequent expansions planned in Europe. Furthermore, there are intentions to establish a $650 million manufacturing facility in the U.S., as per official sources.

The global electric vehicle market, valued at $380 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights. Cathode materials play a crucial role in this growth trajectory. Benchmark’s report further emphasizes the urgency, indicating a need for $40 billion in cathode materials production investments to meet the anticipated demand by 2030.

Also Read: Epsilon Advanced Materials to invest $650M in a US battery facility.