In a significant move within the electric vehicle (EV) industry, French group Orano and Chinese company XTC New Energy have officially announced the creation of two joint ventures as part of their collaborative project, named Neomat. The announcement was made today in Paris, marking an important milestone 18 months after the initial partnership was established.
The joint ventures, known as Neomat CAM and Neomat PCAM, will focus on the production of essential components for electric vehicle batteries, specifically Cathode Active Materials and Precursor Cathode Active Materials. The new facilities will be located at the Grand Port Maritime de Dunkerque (GPMD), within the municipalities of Gravelines and Loon-Plage, indicating a strategic effort to build an integrated industrial platform at this site.
Philippe Hatron, Director of Orano’s Batteries program, expressed that the joint venture not only underscores the commitment of both companies to leverage their expertise but also aims to establish a robust industrial value chain in battery materials to support the European electric vehicle sector in the long term. Speaking to the industry's trajectory, he stated, "We are hereby confirming our desire to pool our expertise and know-how together."
Since the decision in May 2023 to establish the joint battery materials manufacturing plant, collaborative efforts between the teams of Orano and XTC New Energy have progressed significantly. According to Michael LIU, CEO of Neomat CAM, the project has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the French government and local residents. He noted, “This further strengthens us in our desire to contribute to the development of the European electric vehicle industry and to the circular economy strategy.”
In addition to the joint ventures, Orano is exploring a recycling plant aimed at reprocessing materials from electric vehicle batteries. This facility is also slated to be built at the Dunkirk site, with plans for construction to commence around 2027. The planned recycling facility will leverage innovative processes currently under development at Orano's innovation centre in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Guillaume Dureau, Orano’s Senior Executive Vice President of Engineering, R&D, Innovation and New Activities, highlighted the overarching ambition of the joint ventures. He remarked, "The ambition of the deployment of the three CAM, PCAM and recycling plants is to contribute to the development of a value chain for the production and recycling of electric vehicle batteries in France.”
Long JIANG, General Manager of XTC New Energy, emphasized the importance of the project as a symbol of the growing cooperation between China and France. He expressed confidence in the evolving electric vehicle market in Europe, stating, “XTC New Energy wishes to continue to work together with the Orano group to contribute to the long-term development of the low-carbon energy industry in Europe.”
The ventures are positioned to play a pivotal role in the European energy landscape, addressing the region's growing demand for EV components while reinforcing efforts for sustainability through recycling initiatives. The project is expected to receive feedback through a public inquiry planned for spring 2025, marking a crucial step prior to any major investment decisions.
Source: Noah Wire Services