6K Energy and Forge Nano Partner to Advance Domestic Lithium-Ion Battery Production

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In a significant move towards strengthening the United States’ position in domestic clean energy manufacturing, 6K Energy and Forge Nano, Inc. have entered into a five-year purchase and supply agreement. This partnership aims to bolster the production of critical materials for lithium-ion batteries in the United States, marking a pivotal step towards achieving self-reliance in battery supply chains.

Under the agreement, Forge Nano will source 6K Energy’s domestically produced NMC811 cathode active material (CAM). This high-quality material will be used in battery cell production for applications in the Department of Defense (DoD), aerospace, fleet, and various other industries.

6K Energy President Sam Trinch emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “The Inflation Reduction Act’s goal of securing America’s position as a world leader in domestic clean energy manufacturing relies heavily on our nation’s ability to supply lithium-ion batteries on US soil. This agreement is a critical first step for our industry and one which we believe will strengthen domestic supply chains for lithium-ion battery production in the United States. Both organizations are keenly focused on delivering a 100 percent domestic supply chain for lithium-ion batteries to eliminate the dependence on foreign sources.”

The heart of this partnership lies in the production of 6K Energy’s NMC811 at their PlusCAM factory. This cutting-edge, full-scale battery material manufacturing plant is set to commence operations in late 2024, boasting an impressive annual production capacity of 13,000 metric tons. The facility, valued at over $200 million, received a significant boost with a $50 million grant from the Department of Energy as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano, commented on their initial cell production capabilities, saying, “Initial cell production capability will be 1 GWh/yr, and we are actively engaged with multiple customers for securing 2+ GWh/yr. It is critical that we lock up our CAM feedstock, and 6K Energy answers the call from their Tennessee PlusCAM plant not only on the domestic front but also with respect to environmental challenges faced by current production technologies we see in China.”

A standout feature of 6K Energy’s UniMelt microwave plasma technology is its ability to produce battery cathode active material sustainably. The production of NMC811 using this technology generates zero liquid and solid waste, reduces water consumption by 90 percent, and cuts energy consumption and greenhouse gases by over 50 percent compared to traditional battery material production methods. During the production ramp phase, 6K Energy plans to leverage domestic feedstock sources and recycled materials from end-of-life batteries, further enhancing the sustainability of their operations.

The partnership between 6K Energy and Forge Nano represents a significant step forward in securing the United States’ position as a global leader in domestic clean energy manufacturing. It aligns with the nation’s objectives to reduce dependence on foreign sources and promote sustainability in battery production, ultimately contributing to a greener and more self-sufficient future.

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