Battery materials firms ramp up LFP capacity amid rising demand

Battery materials manufacturers are intensifying their focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) materials, driven by the escalating demand for energy storage systems and the push for non-Chinese supply chains in North America. Industry estimates suggest that commitments to LFP cathode supply between domestic battery cell producers and materials suppliers exceed 210,000 metric tons. This surge in demand has prompted companies like POSCO Future M, L&F, and EcoPro BM to bolster their investments.

POSCO Future M, in particular, is expanding its LFP capacity by converting a section of its existing high-nickel cathode production lines at its Pohang plant. The company aims to raise its annual output from approximately 20,000 tons to a potential 105,000 tons by the end of next year. To achieve this, POSCO Future M plans to leverage up to 50,000 tons of capacity from CNP New Material Technology, a joint venture involving CNGR and Fino.

Following a substantial LFP cathode material supply agreement worth 1.07 trillion won ($784.5 million) with SK On in September, POSCO Future M has further solidified its position by signing a long-term contract valued at about 6 trillion won with Samsung SDI.