EcoPro BM Initiates Preemptive Construction of Domestic Sodium Battery Material Supply Chain

EcoPro BM, Solbrein, and Aekyung Chemical have partnered to build a sodium-ion battery (SIB) material ecosystem in South Korea. The three companies signed an MOU on the 22nd at EcoPro BM's headquarters in Ochang, Chungcheongbuk, and announced the formation of the K-Sodium Alliance on the 26th. Through this agreement, they will develop optimal combinations for SIB core materials—including cathode material (EcoPro BM), electrolyte (Solbrein), and hard carbon anode material (Aekyung Chemical)—and launch joint sales. Sodium-ion batteries are next-generation batteries using sodium (sodium) instead of expensive lithium, which is abundant on Earth. They offer price competitiveness, superior safety, long lifespan, and low-temperature performance. They are seen as a leading alternative for energy storage systems (ESS) and affordable electric vehicles. Amid growing supply chain risks from China's restrictions on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology exports, SIB is emerging as a strategic alternative. However, South Korea lacks a comprehensive supply chain for core materials, weakening commercialization foundations. To supply SIB to global cell manufacturers and automakers, optimal performance across all materials is essential. Under the MOU, EcoPro BM will lead SIB cathode development and production technology, while Solbrein focuses on electrolyte and additive technology, and Aekyung Chemical on hard carbon development and production. They will share developed materials for evaluation and jointly target global markets. EcoPro BM, leveraging its existing 1,000-ton SIB cathode pre-production line and technology, will oversee the project to provide integrated material solutions to cell manufacturers and global automakers, shortening development timelines and enhancing performance validation efficiency.