Mumbai-based battery materials manufacturer Epsilon Advanced Materials (EAMPL), has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KRI Inc, a prominent Japanese research company, to set up a cutting-edge Advanced Technology Centre with an investment of Rs 300 crore. The location of the facility has not been announced yet.

It may be recollected that in November 2022, Epsilon Advanced Materials had signed an MoU with the government of Karnataka to invest Rs 9,000 crore to set up battery material manufacturing plants in the state over 10 years.

The primary objective of the new state-of-the-art facility is to advance domestic capabilities in testing advanced cell-grade materials and bolster the Indian battery performance materials testing and manufacturing within the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. The collaboration aims to position India as a global hub for battery performance material technology research and innovation.

KRI Inc, an affiliate of Osaka Gas, specialises in analysing and determining electric materials, nanomaterials, energy conversion technology, and environmental conservation technology. Through this partnership, the company aims to expand its global footprint by providing commercial services related to advanced research.

Commenting on the MoU with KRI Inc, Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon Advanced Materials, said, " Our collaboration with KRI Inc will enhance battery materials research and innovation in the country, reaffirming our commitment to delivering only the highest quality products to our valued customers."

Dr. Shinichi Kawasaki, president of KRI Inc, said, “We are pleased to sign this MoU with Epsilon Advanced Materials. This collaboration is not only an advancement for EV and battery industry but also promotes scientific research and innovation. The advanced cell testing facility will become a common testing ground, attracting cell manufacturing companies from India and overseas. This facility will be equipped to offer a wide range of testing services to ensure highest quality and performance of products.”

Specialised testing services

The Advanced Technology Centre will provide specialised testing services for battery performance materials, including anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, and electrode formulations. Additionally, the centre will conduct battery testing and evaluation, failure analysis of batteries and related materials, research programs, training programs, and modules. The research facility is designed to cater to the needs of battery manufacturers and customers in India and worldwide, offering cost-effective solutions and globally recognized certifications for performance material products. It is expected to generate employment opportunities for researchers and scientists, fostering international exposure and collaborative efforts.

By setting up this advanced technology centre, EAMPL intends to centralise and streamline testing processes, providing a cost-effective solution for both established and emerging cell manufacturing industries. This partnership will create job opportunities for local talent, reduce the reliance on costly overseas research and development. Furthermore, the research facility will elevate India's research landscape, establishing India as a global leader in technology and innovation. “With the mutual expertise of KRI and Epsilon Advanced Materials, we are confident that this advanced research facility will be the centre of excellence in battery materials and EV testing,” concluded Vikram Handa.