A developer of large-format lithium-ion rechargeable cells, batteries, and energy storage systems (ESS), says it will collaborate with Hydro-Québec to further develop water-based manufacturing processes of lithium-ion batteries. Hydro-Québec is a world leader in advanced lithium and lithium-ion battery research and has a strong intellectual property (IP) position for aqueous electrode technology. Hydro-Québec started working on water-based manufacturing processes for lithium-ion batteries as early as 1996.
Since 2008, International Battery, in its plant in Allentown, has extended the manufacturing properties of the water-based process and has successfully produced large-format prismatic lithium-ion battery cells for a variety of applications using this method. The company is the first in North America to produce commercial lithium-ion products using a water-based manufacturing process.
Both companies believe there are significant environmental advantages to a water-based process in the manufacture of lithium-ion cells as well as a reduction in manufacturing costs.
“Working together with Hydro-Québec will help accelerate our development,” says International Battery’s President and CEO, Dr. Ake Almgren. “With our focus on applications for renewable energy integration and smart grid, we are excited about the opportunity to work with such a world-class electric utility.”
