EcoPro BM(247540) said on the 26th that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Soulbrain(357780) and Aekyung Chemical(161000) to jointly develop sodium-ion battery (SIB) technology and launched the "K-sodium alliance."
A sodium-ion battery is a next-generation battery that uses abundant sodium as a raw material instead of expensive lithium. In addition to strong price competitiveness, it is regarded as an alternative in the battery market for energy storage systems (ESS) based on excellent safety, long lifespan, and low-temperature performance.
Under the agreement, EcoPro BM will pursue the development of SIB cathode materials and securing mass-production technology, Soulbrain will handle electrolyte and additive technology, and Aekyung Chemical will be responsible for hard carbon development and securing mass-production technology.
The three companies will also exchange development products to optimize material performance and share evaluation results, and based on this, carry out joint promotions targeting the global market.
In particular, instead of individual standalone materials, they plan to provide a total material solution optimized with the three companies' technologies to shorten customers' development time and maximize the efficiency of performance verification.
EcoPro BM will take overall lead of the project based on its already-secured SIB cathode pilot line and technological capabilities.
Choi Kyung-se, head of Soulbrain Central Research Institute, said, "We will work closely so that the K-sodium alliance can serve as an opportunity to build the domestic SIB ecosystem and strengthen global competitiveness."
Kim Jun-hyung, head of Aekyung Chemical Central Research Institute, said, "By pooling the core technologies of the three companies, we expect to enhance SIB competitiveness and contribute to revitalizing the domestic SIB industrial ecosystem."
Jung Hyun-soo, head of future technology at EcoPro BM, said, "Following the K-sodium alliance, if national-level support is provided, we will be able to further boost the global competitiveness of the domestic SIB industry."