“We will transform the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery market, currently dominated by China, through our innovative dry electrode technology,” stated Kim Je-young, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of LG Energy Solution. He made this announcement at the “Battery Japan 2025” event held at the Big Site in Tokyo on February 20.
Executive Director Kim emphasized that implementing LFP batteries with dry electrodes not only reduces costs but also enhances energy density. He revealed, “We have built a robust portfolio of over 400 patents covering various aspects of dry processes, including uniformity, continuity, and physical properties.”
The dry electrode technology differs from traditional methods by manufacturing cathodes and anodes in a dry manner rather than a wet one. This innovative process replaces the liquid-form intermediate substances (slurry) used in the wet method with solid powder. By eliminating the solvent drying process required in the wet approach, production speed and efficiency are significantly improved. Furthermore, the absence of facilities for drying and recovering solvents reduces both investment costs and manufacturing space. This technology also allows for increased battery density, leading to longer driving ranges on a single charge.
Kim asserted, “Currently, LG Energy Solution leads the industry in dry electrode technology.” He announced plans to achieve mass production using the pilot line at the Ochang Energy Plant this year, with full-scale production expected by 2028. Securing a competitive edge in the dry electrode process is crucial, especially in the LFP battery market, which is presently dominated by Chinese manufacturers.
Additionally, Executive Director Kim outlined a vision for next-generation batteries that will serve as a new growth engine for LG Energy Solution. “We are accelerating the development of all-solid batteries with the goal of mass production before 2030 by leveraging our proprietary material technology,” he explained. He also mentioned the development of lithium-sulfur batteries, which offer high energy density and cost-effectiveness, aimed at future aviation technologies such as Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS).
The importance of securing patents for ongoing innovation was underscored by Kim. “LG Energy Solution possesses a significant competitive advantage across all technologies, from materials to battery management systems (BMS), with 37,874 registered patents and 68,158 applications,” he stated. “Our goal is to establish a virtuous cycle that enhances R&D competitiveness and fosters technological innovation.”
The Battery Japan event is recognized as the world’s largest exhibition for secondary batteries, showcasing various battery-related technologies, materials, parts, and manufacturing equipment. Experts from the battery field gather to exchange technical information during this annual event.
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