The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and chemical giant BASF have signed a world-wide licensing agreement to mass produce and market Argonne's patented composite cathode materials to manufacturers of advanced lithium-ion batteries.
BASF will conduct further lithium-ion battery material application development in its current Beachwood, OH facility and hopes to also build one of North America’s largest cathode material production facilities in Elyria, OH, contingent upon receiving a DOE grant under the Recovery Act – Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative.
"The aim of our application development team in Beachwood, Ohio, along with our funding proposal to DOE for a world class facility in Elyria, Ohio is to make lithium-ion battery use realistic, affordable and widely available," said Joseph Breunig, BASF president of market and business development. "Partnerships like this are exactly the type of public-private investment commitment that will create a more sustainable environment, help move the economy forward, and create new jobs."
"This licensing agreement has the potential to put the United States several steps closer to reaching President Obama's goal of having one million Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles on the road by 2015," said Argonne Director Eric Isaacs. "The transfer of Argonne-developed battery technology to BASF provides a stellar example of why DOE invests taxpayer dollars into scientific research and development. When federally funded R&D is commercialized, it enhances our economic competitiveness, energy security and quality of life through innovations in science and technology."
"This is one example of how we will make Ohio the Silicon Valley of clean energy manufacturing," said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). "Lithium-ion batteries will be used in electric cars, which represent the future of the auto industry. The agreement with Argonne and the proposed building of the factory will enable Ohioans working in BASF facilities in Beachwood and Elyria to research, develop, and manufacture lithium-ion battery components. This will help bring new economic activity and a cleaner future to our state."
