Hanwha Momentum announced on the 14th that it has established a process research laboratory for research and development (R&D) of secondary batteries and has begun full-scale operations.

The plaque ceremony held the previous day at the business site in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, was attended by over 30 employees, including Ryu Yang-sik, CEO of Hanwha Momentum, Ryu Hee-yeon, head of the secondary battery R&D Center, and Lee Hyung-seob, head of the upstream process division.

From the left, Lee Chang-ho, Planning Director, Ryu Hee-yeon, R&D Center Director, Ryu Yang-sik, CEO of Hanwha Momentum, Ahn Woo-seong, Sales and Marketing Director, and Yoo Do-keun, Management Support Director, participate in the plaque ceremony of the secondary battery R&D Center on Nov. 13. / Courtesy of Hanwha Momentum

The process research laboratory will focus on research and development of next-generation battery equipment and process technologies, such as solid-state batteries and dry processes. Solid-state batteries are evaluated as a technology that can dramatically increase the driving range of electric vehicles due to their higher safety and energy density compared to existing lithium-ion batteries. However, there are disadvantages, such as high manufacturing expenses and difficulties in mass production due to material damage caused by ultra-high-pressure conditions.

The dry process is gaining attention as a next-generation battery manufacturing technology, praised for its cost-saving effects compared to traditional wet processes and its environmentally friendly technology. Global corporations are also accelerating the adoption of dry process technology. Tesla acquired Maxwell in 2019 to secure dry electrode technology. China's CATL and BYD, as well as Japan's Panasonic, are also operating pilot lines and advancing technology development.

Earlier this year, Hanwha Momentum established equipment for research on dry process technology within the center. Battery technology patent materials and dry battery materials are also on display. In the second half of this year, it plans to further build infrastructure for battery cell quality and stability assessment and solid-state process research, and also plans to increase research personnel.

Ryu Hee-yeon, head of the secondary battery R&D Center, noted, "We will significantly enhance customer service through the newly established process research laboratory and leap forward as a higher-level equipment corporation."