Boulder Ionics enters into License Agreement with Hydro-Québec’s research institute (IREQ) to manufacture and distribute advanced electrolytes based on Hydro-Québec patented ionic liquid compositions

Boulder Ionics (BI), a leading producer of ionic liquid based electrolytes for advanced energy storage, announced that it has signed a non-exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Hydro-Québec (HQ), a major supplier of electricity, relying on clean, renewable energy. The deal provides BI with a license to HQ’s patent portfolio for a family of chemicals containing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, or FSI.

Combining this license with its existing licenses of TFSI compositions, BI now has rights to produce and distribute two of the most promising families of ionic liquids for energy storage applications. These ionic liquids are critical elements of advanced electrolytes being developed for next-generation higher voltage and higher energy batteries and ultracapacitors.

Under the terms of the agreement, BI will use it high throughput synthesis platform to produce electrochemical-grade ionic liquids and formulate high-performance electrolytes in commercial volumes at competitive prices.

“With this latest license agreement, Boulder Ionics has new process to produce low-cost ionic liquid for safe lithium batteries,” mentioned Karim Zaghib, Director, Energy Storage and Conversion Department, Hydro-Québec’s research institute.

“HQ's patent portfolio is strong and is a critical element to our business strategy,” said Dr. Jerry Martin CEO and founder of BI. “Our alliance with HQ gives us access to patents that enable the highest performance energy storage devices in our industry.”

About Boulder Ionics
Boulder Ionics (www.boulderionics.com) is a rapidly growing energy storage materials company that produces ionic liquid based electrolytes for demanding electrochemical applications. Using its proprietary high-throughput synthesis platform, Boulder Ionics is the first company to manufacture ultra-high-purity ionic liquids at prices that allow for commercial adoption. Boulder Ionics’ advanced Iolyte® electrolytes and ionic liquids have applications in a wide range of products ranging from ultracapacitors to lithium-ion batteries and next generation metal-air batteries.

About IREQ
Hydro-Québec’s research institute, IREQ, is a global leader in the development of advanced materials for battery manufacturing and creates leading edge processes from its state of the art facilities. IREQ holds more than 800 patent rights and 40 licenses for battery materials used by some of the world’s most successful battery manufacturers and materials suppliers. Its areas of expertise include energy storage and is a lead partner with private sector companies in Québec to build EV and HEV charging stations in support of its technology developments. Its material development contributions are helping to develop safe, high-performance lithium ion batteries that can be charged more quickly and a greater number of times. IREQ promotes open innovation and partners with private firms, universities, government agencies and research centers in Québec and abroad. Its partnerships allows IREQ to develop, industrialize and market technologies resulting from those innovation projects.

About Hydro-Québec
Hydro-Québec (www.hydroquebec.com) is Canada’s largest electricity producer among the world’s largest hydroelectric power producer and a public utility that generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. It primarily exploits renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of wind energy through purchases from independent power producers. Its research institute, IREQ, conducts R&D in energy efficiency, energy storage and other energy-related fields. Hydro-Québec invests more than $100 million per year in research.

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For information or questions regarding Boulder Ionics’ technology, contact Dr. Jerry Martin, CEO, at 303-432-1400.

CONTACT:

Tim Gardner
CFO,VP Business Development
Boulder Ionics Corporation
303-432-1400 (Office)
303-884-9056 (Cell phone)
Tim.Gardner@boulderionics.com

Louis-Olivier Batty
Press officer
Hydro-Québec
514-289-4214
Batty.louis-olivier@hydro.qc.ca