European joint venture to strengthen EV battery material production and recycling

Eighteen months after announcing their partnership, the French group Orano and the Chinese group XTC New Energy have officially advanced their project by creating two joint ventures focused on producing electric vehicle (EV) battery components, specifically cathode active materials (CAM) and precursor cathode active materials (PCAM).

The project, which is called Neomat, aims to establish an integrated industrial platform in Dunkirk, France. The two joint ventures, Neomat CAM and Neomat PCAM, will oversee the construction of manufacturing plants on land designated by the Grand Port Maritime de Dunkerque (GPMD) in the Gravelines and Loon-Plage municipalities.

Neomat CAM will focus on producing cathode active materials, while Neomat PCAM will handle precursor cathode active materials, forming a key part of the European EV battery supply chain.

This milestone complements ongoing consultations and precedes a public inquiry planned for the spring of 2025. The project also aims to secure orders from European gigafactories as part of its pre-investment strategy, setting the stage for future investment decisions.

Orano is further exploring plans to build a recycling facility for EV battery materials on the same site, with operations anticipated to start by 2027. This recycling plant will use an innovative process currently being developed at the Center for Innovation in Extractive Metallurgy in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

While primarily focused on serving the European market, the Dunkirk-based initiatives could indirectly benefit the United States. By increasing global production capacity for battery components, the project has the potential to alleviate supply chain constraints and reduce material costs worldwide. Additionally, innovations from these facilities could contribute to advancements in battery technology, enhancing the affordability and scalability of EVs on a global scale.

The development of Neomat CAM, Neomat PCAM, and the recycling plant collectively aims to support a reliable value chain for EV battery production and recycling in France, contributing to French and European sovereignty in critical battery materials. The project aligns with broader efforts to enhance circular economy strategies and ensure the sustainability of EV manufacturing.