Axens and Hunan Changyuan Lico strengthen their strategic partnership to produce battery materials in France by 2027
How Axens Contributes to the Batteries' Value Chain
DiscoverThe success of France's national strategy for batteries for electric vehicles depends on the creation of a European industry that will enable the industrial production of batteries and components in France in the short term. The production of cathode active materials (CAMs) and their precursors (pCAMs) is a strategic link in the battery value chain: they can account for up to 50% of cell costs and concentrate critical metals. To date, European and French production is largely under-capacity and cannot meet the demand generated by the installation of new battery Gigafactories in the country. Against this backdrop of structural deficit, the acceleration of industrial projects linked to the battery challenge in France and Europe has become essential. Axens hopes to actively contribute to the emergence of this sector. Thanks to its expertise in inorganic chemistry and its unique industrial experience in the production of metal-based catalysts, Axens is an industrial player capable of producing cathode active materials (CAM) and their precursors (pCAM).
To ensure the rapid and efficient deployment of a CAM production plant in France, Axens has chosen to join forces with Hunan Changyuan Lico, a major producer of cathode-active materials in China. Pooling their expertise and innovation capabilities will enable them to establish themselves in a highly competitive market, while contributing to the development of the battery industry in France and Europe.
To comply with European directives and to preserve metal resources, this plant project will also take into account the recycling of critical metals from various sources.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on September 18, 2023 by the Chairmen of the two partner companies will enable the teams to continue working exclusively on technology transfer, project deployment and product qualification.
The new plant in France is scheduled to be operational in 2027, and will meet both the need to localize battery production and the need to recycle critical components. It will thus contribute to the reindustrialization of France in a forward-looking sector, and will help strengthen the national and European automotive industries.
As a pioneer in the field of high-efficiency battery materials, HUNAN Changyuan Lico 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.
As a key player in the energy transition and a leader in inorganic chemistry, Axens is proud to be developing a project that will contribute to the emergence of a French and European battery industry with an experienced, innovative and ambitious partner like Lico.
About HUNAN Changyuan Lico Co., Ltd
About Axens
Axens group provides a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass to cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics, all natural gas treatment and conversion options along with water treatment and carbon capture. The offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services. Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility study to unit start-up and follow-up throughout the entire unit life cycle. This unique position ensures the highest level of performance with a reduced environmental footprint. Axens global offer is based on highly trained human resources, modern production facilities and an extended global network for industrial, technical supports & commercial services. Axens is an IFP Group company.
Axens press contact:
Agence Lisa Wyler Communication
Virginie Debuisson – virginie.debuisson@lisa-wyler.com – +33 (06).10.80.06.52