Arkema and IREQ sign an R&D partnership agreement on a new electrolyte for electric vehicle batteries

Institut de recherche d'Hydro-Québec (IREQ) and Arkema announce that they have reached a collaborative research agreement for the development of a new highly safe electrolyte from fluoride and non-fluoride salts produced by Arkema. Accordingly, Arkema has signed a licensing contract on the technology of its fluoride salts to which IREQ will hold intellectual property rights.

This cooperation venture is excellent news for both the automotive and the electrification of private and public transport industries, which are seeking high-quality cost-effective technologies for the development of materials for electric batteries. This new electrolyte will be suitable for use in lithium-ion and lithium-polymer battery technologies - both already on the market and next generation.

“We are pleased that a prestigious group like Arkema, renowned in the world for the high standards of its processes and its products, is interested in the technology developed by our teams. This joint research aptly reflects the spirit of the France-Québec working party for the electrification of private and public road vehicles”, states Karim Zaghib, Director – Energy Storage and Conversion, IREQ.

“This partnership is strategic for Arkema: it will enable us to speed up our developments and validate our solutions for batteries thanks to IREQ’s world-renowned expertise in lithium-ion batteries. This collaboration is a boost to Arkema’s commitment to the development of renewable energies”, explains Ian Cayrefourcq, Director - Emerging Technologies, Arkema.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €6.1 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.

Institut de recherche d'Hydro-Québec (IREQ - Hydro-Québec Research Institute), leader in the development of advanced materials for the manufacture of batteries, devises cutting-edge processes in its high-tech facilities. IREQ owns in excess of 800 patents and 40 licences on materials used by some of the world’s leading manufacturers of batteries and suppliers of battery materials. IREQ has gained expertise in energy storage, and works together with private companies in Québec to produce charging stations for electric and hybrid cars as part of its research programme. Its research work contributes to the development of safe high-performance lithium-ion batteries accommodating shorter charging times and more recharge cycles. IREQ promotes open innovation and partnerships with private companies, universities, government agencies and research centers both in Québec and outside Canada. These partnerships enable IREQ to develop, industrialise and market technologies developed from its own innovation projects.

Hydro-Québec transmits and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and one of the world’s leading hydropower producers. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. It uses mainly renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of other sources of energy, e.g. wind and biomass, through purchases from independent power producers. Its research institute, IREQ, conducts research and development work in energy-related fields, including energy efficiency and energy storage. Hydro-Québec invests $100 M in research every year.
www.hydroquebec.com

For information:

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