Australian battery materials innovator Sicona Battery Technologies has entered into a strategic partnership with India’s Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd to produce Sicona’s advanced silicon-carbon anode material, SiCx, in India. This collaboration aims to accelerate the global electric vehicle (EV) supply chain by enhancing battery performance and manufacturing capabilities.
Under the agreement, Himadri will invest AUD 15 million in Sicona and receive exclusive rights to utilize, adapt, and sell the SiCx technology in India. The partnership includes plans to establish India’s first silicon-carbon anode production facility, likely in Odisha, to meet the growing demand for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
SiCx anode material, when combined with traditional graphite in lithium-ion batteries, offers up to 20% higher energy density and 40% faster charging times. These enhancements are crucial for extending the driving range and reducing charging durations of EVs, addressing key consumer concerns and promoting wider adoption of electric mobility.
The collaboration also includes comprehensive technical support from Sicona, encompassing engineering, quality systems, and production protocols, to ensure a robust and scalable local deployment. Himadri plans to leverage its deep industry experience to accelerate market entry and commercialization of the technology.
This strategic alliance is expected to strengthen India’s clean energy supply chain and play a pivotal role in transforming the country into a global hub for sustainable battery technology. By localizing the production of advanced battery materials, the partnership aims to reduce reliance on concentrated supply chains and support the global transition to electric mobility.
Sicona’s CEO, Christiaan Jordaan, highlighted that the licensing model provides a capital-light path to commercial scale, generating royalties from Indian sales while the company focuses on building its own production facilities. This strategy strengthens Sicona’s position as a leader in silicon-carbon anode technology and supports its expansion plans, including the development of a large-scale anode plant in the United States.
Discussion about this post