Investing KRW 59.1 billion in POSCO Silicon Solution
Constructing a 4.5-million-ton-per-year production facility in Pohang

 

POSCO Holdings is making a significant investment in silicon anode materials, which are gaining attention as next-generation anode materials.
On January 27, 2023, POSCO Holdings announced its decision to invest KRW 59.1 billion (USD 44.07 million) in POSCO Silicon Solution, a subsidiary with manufacturing expertise in silicon anode materials. POSCO Silicon Solution plans to commence construction of the first stage of a silicon cathode materials production facility with an annual capacity of 450 tons at the industrial complex in Yeongil Bay, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. Beginning in June, the aim is to complete construction by 2024.
Silicon anode materials can achieve an energy density four times greater than the graphite anode materials currently used in lithium-ion batteries. These next-generation anode materials not only enhance the driving range of electric vehicles, but also reduce their charging time.
Domestic and international battery manufacturers are striving to develop technology that increases the content of silicon anode material. The market size for silicon anode materials is projected to grow by 34% annually until 2030. The content of silicon anode material, currently below 5%, is expected to surpass 10% by 2025 and exceed 25% by 2030.
POSCO Group, which is establishing the world's first complete value chain for secondary battery materials, acquired silicon anode materials developer Tera Technos in July of last year to advance the next-generation silicon anode materials business with the aim to diversify its anode materials business. After that, Tera Technos was renamed POSCO Silicon Solution. By 2030, POSCO Silicon Solution aims to produce 25,000 tons of silicon anode material annually.
Upon completion of the silicon anode materials production facility investment, POSCO Group will have a comprehensive lineup in the field of anode materials, including natural graphite, artificial graphite, and silicon anode material. This will enable the POSCO group to achieve unparalleled global competitiveness in secondary battery material.
A POSCO Holdings official stated, "POSCO Group will solidify its competitiveness in the existing cathode and anode materials markets by expanding its lithium and nickel raw materials business, and will continue to strengthen its competitiveness in the next-generation battery materials sector through ongoing investments in silicon anode materials, solid electrolytes, and lithium metals, etc."

Bizwatch reporter Jung Jae-woong on January 27, 2023