BASF to build cathode material plant in Québec
BASF has announced its intention to produce cathode materials and recycle batteries in the Canadian province of Québec from 2025. To this end, the company has now signed an agreement that secures BASF a plot of land in Bécancour.
According to the company, planning work for the project has already begun. Subject to the necessary permits, BASF is aiming for commissioning in 2025. With the investment, BASF is further expanding its production of cathode materials in North America and complementing its existing production sites.
The new plant on the Saint Lawrence River offers sufficient space for expansion to up to 100 kt of cathode materials per year – with the potential for a fully integrated supply of precursors for cathode materials, according to BASF. The site would also connect well to BASF’s global metal sourcing network – with a refinery for nickel and cobalt intermediates and recycling of all battery metals (including lithium).
BASF also hopes the site will provide competitive advantages through “highly efficient logistics” and energy from “competitive hydropower” to reduce the carbon footprint of its products.
“With new investments in electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure being announced continuously in North America, we are pleased to pursue our own investment in the region,” said Dr Peter Schuhmacher, head of BASF’s Catalysts division. “This land acquisition is a necessary prerequisite to further advance our strategy to grow our footprint in key regions to better serve our customer’s operations with sustainable and reliable local supply.”
BASF plans to supply manufacturers in the North American country, the United States and also Mexico from Canada. The company is also currently building a plant for cathode materials in Germany, and a recycling plant is also being built there.
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