LG Energy starts operations at 7th North American battery plant

LG Energy Solution Ltd., South Korea's leading battery manufacturer, commenced operations at its seventh North American battery plant on August 19, 2023. The facility, LG Energy Solution Michigan-Lansing, will produce batteries for energy storage systems (ESSs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The company expects to achieve an annual output of over 350 gigawatt-hours (GWh) once the plant reaches full-scale production capacity.

The Lansing facility's advanced batteries will bolster the U.S. power grid's reliability by enabling better energy storage and distribution. LGES Chief Executive Kim Dong-myung highlighted that the plant will advance the nation's energy infrastructure and digital economy, in addition to supporting the future of mobility.

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the significance of domestic battery production for America's energy future. He noted that the industry can reduce reliance on foreign adversaries, generate well-paying American jobs, and advance the American Energy Dominance Agenda. Michigan's skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and industrial capabilities make it an ideal location to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain.

As of the plant's launch, LG Energy Solution now operates seven battery plants across North America, with six in the United States and one in Canada. Five of these plants manufacture batteries for both ESSs and EVs, while the remaining two focus solely on EV batteries. To meet the increasing demand for ESS batteries, the company plans to reach over 50 GWh of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell production capacity in North America by December 2023.

This capacity will be achieved through three wholly-owned plants in the U.S. and two joint ventures with Honda Motor Co. in Ohio and General Motors Co. in Tennessee.