China’s SEMCORP and WELION New Energy Enter Long-Term Supply Agreement for Battery Materials
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Yunnan Energy New Materials Co., Ltd. (SEMCORP), a leading Chinese supplier of lithium-ion battery separator film, recently announced a significant development in its partnership with Beijing WELION New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (WELION New Energy). Shanghai SEMCORP, a subsidiary of SEMCORP, has signed a long-term supply agreement with WELION New Energy.
Photo credit: SEMCORP
The agreement outlines that WELION New Energy will source 80% of its required materials, including semi-solid battery electrolyte membranes, electrolytes, and electrolyte membranes for solid-state batteries, from Shanghai SEMCORP and its affiliates. This strategic partnership is set to bolster the supply chain for advanced battery technologies.
Under the terms of the agreement, WELION New Energy is expected to procure a minimum of 300 million square meters of electrolyte membranes for semi-solid and solid-state batteries, along with no less than 100 tonnes of solid-state battery electrolytes from Shanghai SEMCORP and its affiliates between 2025 and 2030.
WELION New Energy, established in 2016, specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, and distribution of solid-state lithium-ion batteries. These innovative batteries are widely utilized in new energy vehicles, energy storage solutions, and various industrial applications. The company has forged partnerships with key industry players such as State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), NIO, Xiaomi EV, and GAC Group.
Solid-state batteries offer several advantages over traditional liquid batteries, including enhanced safety, reduced weight, and superior thermal stability. With an energy density exceeding 500Wh/kg, solid-state batteries surpass the performance limitations of liquid lithium-ion batteries, which are capped at 350Wh/kg.
In a move to support the advancement of solid-state battery technology, China is reportedly investing approximately 6 billion yuan in R&D initiatives. Six companies, including CATL, BYD, FAW Group, SAIC Motor, WELION New Energy, and Geely, are set to receive government support for fundamental research and development in this critical area.
