ECOPRO BM Joins Hands with Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.... Signs MOU for Joint Development of Solid-State Battery Materials

[Financial News] ECOPRO BM and Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 6th to jointly develop materials for next-generation all-solid-state batteries.
The agreement was established with the goal of commercializing sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries by 2027. Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. will refine battery cell development and mass production technologies, while ECOPRO BM will be responsible for developing key materials such as solid electrolytes and cathode materials. The two companies plan to expand the scope of their collaboration from the early stages of development to quality evaluation and the establishment of mass production systems. ECOPRO BM is currently operating a 40-ton-per-year pilot plant in the field of sulfide-based solid electrolytes and was named to the Ministry of Trade and Industry's 'Super Eul Project' in August.
The two companies have decided to expand the scope of their joint research and development beyond just cathode materials to include all materials, such as electrolytes. Solid-state batteries utilize a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one and are being discussed as a technology for applications such as electric vehicles and humanoid robots, as they can extend battery life on a single charge and reduce the risk of fire.
ECOPRO BM highlights powder control and quality management technologies as its core competencies in solid electrolyte development. Based on its high-nickel cathode material technology, it is also developing cathode materials suitable for solid electrolytes.
The Super Eul Project is an R&D support program operated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to foster materials, parts, and equipment companies equipped with world-class or groundbreaking technologies. Companies propose growth strategies and technology development plans, and selections are made following a review of the plans, technology verification, and a comprehensive evaluation. ECOPRO BM passed the evaluation with its sulfide-based solid electrolyte project. The Ministry plans to provide R&D support to the selected companies for over seven years, amounting to 20 billion won per project.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry announced the 'Battery Industry Technology Roadmap' last month and identified all-solid-state batteries as a core strategic technology for the future battery industry. The government plans to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation batteries by strengthening joint R&D and supply chain cooperation between cell and material companies.
Meanwhile, ECOPRO BM unveiled its full value chain roadmap for all-solid-state batteries at an investor briefing last July. At the time, Gong Bo-hyun, Senior Vice President of R&D, stated, "We are reviewing pilot production with leading clients and anticipate the earliest mass production date to be 2027," adding, "We have completed the design for the mass production line and are preparing to begin construction immediately to meet customer demand."
[email protected] Kim Dong-chan Reporter