The European Union is increasingly focused on building a competitive, sustainable, and autonomous battery value chain in response to the growing demand for energy storage and the transition toward climate neutrality. At present, most lithium-ion battery electrodes are produced using solvent-based wet processing methods. These methods rely on hazardous chemicals such as N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, require significant energy input, and are largely dominated by non-European manufacturers. The result is a process that carries high environmental impact, elevated production costs, and complex infrastructure requirements.
This project aims to transform the current approach by implementing an innovative dry electrode processing technology. Unlike conventional methods, this process eliminates the use of solvents entirely, leading to a substantial reduction in energy consumption and a measurable decrease in the carbon footprint of each battery cell. Energy use is expected to decrease by approximately 27 percent, while carbon emissions per cell are projected to drop by up to 5 percent. In addition, the dry process significantly reduces capital and operational costs by removing the need for extensive drying equipment, air treatment systems, and solvent recovery infrastructure.
The main objective of the project is to establish the first industrial-scale production line in Europe for cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion battery cells using the dry electrode process. This facility will be the initial step toward a broader European manufacturing platform for battery cells. The production line is designed to supply flexible, high-quality cells that can be adapted to meet the specific needs of applications such as electric mobility, power tools, and high-performance vehicles. The project is focused on enabling a fully European value chain, from materials to finished cells, supporting the strategic goal of reducing reliance on external markets.
By advancing solvent-free battery manufacturing and building a local value chain, this project supports the European Union’s broader objectives of climate action, economic resilience, and industrial sovereignty. It establishes a foundation for scalable, sustainable, and customizable battery cell production within Europe and marks an important milestone in the continent’s path toward energy independence and technological leadership.
