The Axens Group and its 2,200-strong workforce wish to put their expertise and know-how to good use in supporting the development of sustainable mobility and helping to structure a European battery value chain, a strategic challenge for our sovereignty.
EV Battery Industry in the European Union
The electric vehicle battery market in Europe faces several significant challenges. The EU Batteries Regulation is driving the need to localize production, incorporate recycled materials, and enhance the industrial shift within Europe. Manufacturing processes for Li-ion EV batteries require large quantities of materials and chemicals, with cathode active materials (CAM) being among the most critical components, alongside anodes, electrolytes, separators, and other polymers.
Currently, European and French production capacity is insufficient to meet the growing demand generated by the installation of new battery Gigafactories. This structural deficit highlights the urgent need to accelerate industrial projects related to the battery challenge in France and Europe.
Axens is addressing these challenges by leveraging its expertise in inorganic chemistry and industrial experience in producing metal-based catalysts. Through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, Axens aims to contribute significantly to the development of a robust and sustainable battery industry in Europe by producing advanced cathode active materials (CAM, pCAM) as well as battery recycling solutions (through its affiliate Eurecat).
Objective: “0” CO₂ emissions for new cars
of battery cell value of EU or UK origin by 2027 to be considered “Made in EU”
of Recycled Lithium and Nickel to be reincorporated into CAM from 2031 (16% for Cobalt)
What is CAM?
Cathode Active Materials (CAM) are essential components in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. They represent up to 40% of the cost of a battery cell and contain critical metals like Nickel, Cobalt, and Lithium (LiOH).
The manufacturing of CAM is a crucial step, directly influencing the performance, autonomy, and safety of batteries. It involves advanced processes ensuring optimal material purity. During calcination, pCAM (nickel, manganese, and cobalt hydroxides) is heated with lithium to form lithium-NMC oxide (Li-NMC), creating cathode active materials (CAM).
Battery Industry in Europe
Axens leverages its expertise to develop sustainable electrification solutions, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.
Axens, a leading player in industrial process decarbonization, is leveraging its historical expertise in catalysis and inorganic chemistry to strengthen its strategic position in the rapidly growing battery market. Driven by increasing demand for electric vehicles, the supply of these materials in the European Union is significantly lower than market demand.
For these reasons, Axens is a key player in the EV Battery value chain, by providing high-performance cathode active materials as well as EV battery recycling solutions (through its affiliate Eurecat).
Axens contribute to the development of a European battery chain by leading the MACARON project (Matériaux Actifs de CAthodes de pROduction fraNçaise), a factory for cathode active materials in Saint-Saulve, near Valenciennes, on the site adjacent to the former Vallourec tube plant. By choosing this location, marked by a strong industrial tradition, Axens aims to integrate the MACARON project into the dynamic battery valley being developed in Hauts-de-France.
By leading this innovative initiative, Axens is not only strengthening Europe's competitive position in the global battery market but also contributing to the creation of a circular economy around battery materials, helping to shape the future of sustainable mobility and energy systems across Europe. The industrial process will be powered by low-carbon electricity, avoiding fossil fuels, and aims for 100% of raw materials to be transported by river.
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To achieve this industrial challenge, Axens has partnered with Minmetals New Energy Materials (MNEM), a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned mining group China Minmetals. This collaboration has led to the creation of LICAMAX, a joint venture aimed at producing high-quality CAM/NMC materials for the European battery industry.
MNEM brings its technical expertise and know-how in ternary materials, facilitating technology transfer and the relocation of these strategic materials to Europe. Axens brings its extensive experience in operating industrial units for inorganic chemistry and industrial catalysis. This alliance aims to make the Saint-Saulve plant a reference site in Europe, with four independent production lines for NMC-type CAM.
The MACARON project marks a key milestone in Axens’ broader ambition for the Saint-Saulve site, but it’s only the beginning. Backed by its expertise, Axens can become a major player across multiple segments of the battery materials value chain.
Through a series of coherent and complementary projects, the group aims to create a virtuous circle around strategic battery materials. LICAMAX, a joint venture formed with MNEM, is a core part of this vision, focused on producing high-quality CAM materials locally for the European market.
EURECAT, a joint venture between Axens and the catalyst division of US-based Albemarle, the global leader in lithium, also plays a key role in this dynamic, with a mission to develop battery recycling activities, targeting both end-of-life batteries and gigafactory scrap.
Finally, Axens is working closely with its parent company, IFPEN, on the development of a pCAM manufacturing technology that would complete the loop.
A Sustainable Future in Battery Materials
We are developing a circular strategy to better recycle and re-integrate metallic salts into active materials production, further improving the CO2 footprint of CAM production.
LICAMAX joint venture helps leverage complementary strengths and capitalize on growth opportunities in the European EV market.
Key Figures:
- Start-Up Production: 2028
- Plant location: Saint-Saulve, near Valenciennes (59)
- #Employees: More than 350
- Annual production capacity: 28 kt of NMC materials
- Industrial site area: 30 ha
- Estimated investment: 500 million euros
- CO₂ emissions reduction: 20-25% thanks to French energy mix
Get in Touch with Us!
Have questions about our offers and solutions or need assistance? The Axens team is here to help. Just a message away!
Produce EV Battery Materials in France
As a pioneer in the field of high-efficiency battery materials, HUNAN Changyuan is delighted to collaborate with Axens, which is a key participant in the field of inorganic chemistry and energy transition. We believe that we will jointly launch more high-tech "Sino-French manufactured" battery cathode materials to serve the rapidly growing power and energy storage battery markets in Europe.
The negotiation with the Valenciennes Métropole Urban Community is a major milestone in our project to establish a cathode active materials plant in France. The prospect of building this plant in Hauts-de-France, a region deeply connected to France’s industrial heritage, and contributing to the industrial revitalization of the Valenciennes area, is both a motivation and a source of pride for the Axens teams.