Dongwha Electrolyte joins $95 mil. next-generation battery research initiative

Dongwha Electrolyte has joined a major national research initiative in South Korea to develop sodium-ion batteries, as the country aims to expand its alternative energy storage solutions and bolster its presence in next-generation battery technology. The South Korean company, a subsidiary of Dongwha Enterprise, announced its participation in the Market-Leading Next-Generation Secondary Battery Innovation Strategic Research Group, or K-BIC, under the government's Global TOP Strategic Research Group support program.

The project, with a total budget of 130 billion won ($95 million), brings together leading entities from industry, academia, research institutions, and government to overcome technical hurdles, establish fundamental technologies, and create a collaborative research platform.

Dongwha Electrolyte stands out as the sole electrolyte manufacturer among the participating institutions, according to the company. The organization will join the second phase of the project, which focuses on creating low-cost, long-life, nonlithium secondary batteries, specifically employing sodium-ion technology with production costs.