Johnson Matthey (JM) has confirmed that its cathode material battery plant in Konin, Poland, will be powered entirely by electricity from renewable energy from the first day of production.
Johnson Matthey (JM) has signed a solar and wind investment deal with Axpo. Axpo will provide green energy to Johnson Matthey’s new factory in Konin, which is scheduled to begin commissioning in 2022 to supply vehicle manufacturing platforms in 2024. Using 100 percent renewable electricity would substantially minimize the carbon emissions of the plant and help Poland’s transition to a lower carbon economy.
The new plant in Konin marks a significant phase in the commercialization of eLNO, the JM family of advanced nickel-rich cathode materials designed for PHEV/BEV automotive battery applications. With 100 percent renewable electricity generation, eLNO has high sustainability requirements that lead to a competitive battery value chain.
Securing 100 percent clean energy from day one shows Johnson Matthey’s dedication to sustainability both now and in the future and is the first step in Johnson Matthey’s strategy to engage in strategic alliances to build a new long-term renewable energy supply while the Battery Materials sector increases its production potential.
“Making battery materials is an energy intensive process. When running at target capacity, our Konin plant will significantly increase JM’s overall energy consumption, so it’s crucial that we minimise its carbon footprint from the outset to ensure a sustainable battery value chain. Playing a big part in the future of electric vehicles isn’t enough for us – sustainability is at heart of everything we do at Johnson Matthey as we strive to make the world a cleaner, healthier place.”
Christian Günther, chief executive, battery materials at JM.
