NAATBatt 2026 Recycling & Lifecycle Management Workshop

Registration for the Workshop is now OPEN! Click here for more information and to register. NAATBatt will hold its 9th annual workshop on lithium battery recycling and lifecycle management on July 7-8, 2026, at Michigan State University's MEC Center in Troy, Michigan. The workshop will examine the technologies, business models and economic challenges involved in recycling and reusing lithium batteries in North America. Building a secure supply chain of battery materials in North America may ultimately depend heavily on the "urban mining" of battery materials. Learn about the prospects for lithium battery recycling and reuse in North America and meet the companies and experts that are already doing business in this sector.

Affordable Power Conference & Expo: Innovative Energy Storage for Grids & Data Center

NAATBatt and NY-BEST are partnering on a new conference and expo focused on the energy storage and power generation needs of data centers and grid operators. Affordable Power Conference & Expo: Innovative Energy Storage for Grids & Data Centers will be held on November 3-5, 2026 at the On Center in Syracuse, New York. The Expo will be a free-to-attend event offering companies providing energy storage and energy generation products to data centers and other microgrids the opportunity to highlight their expertise and meet potential customers. The Expo will be co-located with a conference discussing the policy drivers, economics, and innovative new energy technologies shaping this rapidly growing market. Watch this newsletter for more information about this program and for a link to the exhibitor prospectus.

NAATBatt 2027 Annual Meeting & Conference

It is not too early to start planning for NAATBatt 2027. NAATBatt 2027, the 18th annual meeting of NAATBatt International, be held on February 8–11, 2027, at the Westin Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, California, just outside Palm Springs. The NAATBatt annual meeting features presentations by leading consulting firms and market analysts about various sectors of the battery market, in-person meetings of all 18 NAATBatt communities, short Member Update Presentations by NAATBatt member firms, and simply the best networking available anywhere in the North American advanced battery industry. Mark your calendar and watch this newsletter for updates about NAATBatt 2027.

ALERT: UPDATED DATABASE RELEASED!

NAATBatt Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Database

Since 2021, NAATBatt has retained the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) (formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory), to produce a comprehensive database of all companies in North America active in the lithium-ion battery supply chain. The database can be accessed by clicking here: NLR/NAATBatt Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain.

NAATBatt membership dues pay for the database. As a public service, NAATBatt makes the database available to all users. The database is a public resource intended to make doing business in the North American lithium-ion supply chain easier and more efficient. Thanks to all NAATBatt members for doing their part to make this available to everyone!

Under its contract with NAATBatt, NLR, with the assistance of Avicenne Energy, updates the database every six months. Updates identify new companies active in the lithium-ion market and reflect changes in the industry. NLR released the latest update on April 1, 2026.

The updated database now identifies more than 1,000 companies and more than 1,200 facilities involved in manufacturing, supplying, designing or supporting lithium-ion battery technology in North America. It includes companies involved in mining, material processing, electrode/cell/pack manufacturing, cell component production, recycling/repurposing, and supporting infrastructure such as equipment makers, R&D startups, services, consulting, product distributors, and professional services.

Access the database now to make use of this resource. If your company or facility is not listed but should be, complete the online questionnaire to be include in the next update. Companies are encouraged to review the database and send any corrections to LIB.SupplyChain@nlr.gov.

New NAATBatt Website

Check-out NAATBatt’s new website! Visit us at: www.naatbatt.org. Certain information and resources are available exclusively to members, and an account is required to access this content. Employees of all NAATBatt member firms should register to gain entry to the private member portal. The portal contains links to special resources and tools. For a guide on how to register and take advantage of this new NAATBatt member only resource, go to: https://www.naatbatt.org/blog/welcome-to-the-new-naatbatt-website

NAATBatt Communities

NAATBatt has 18 active subject matter committees/communities, offering NAATBatt members a way to hear about new developments in 18 different sectors of the advanced battery industry. And here's the kicker: It costs nothing to join a NAATBatt committee and participate in the community discussions. Just sign up here. NAATBatt subject matter communities are the new "water cooler" of the North American advanced battery industry: the place to hear the scuttlebutt about what is really going on. It makes no sense not to join.

Member Press Releases

ZincFive unveiled its NiZn Retrofit Kit, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) energy storage solution designed to bring the benefits of modern battery chemistry to existing UPS battery systems in mission-critical environments.

Click here for the full news release.

NAATBatt members interested in publishing press releases about developments at their companies in this section of the newsletter should send their releases by e-mail to Vivian Yu at NAATBatt by Thursday of each week.

Community Pulse

Breaking the Chain: The Shift Toward Domestic Battery Supply

The recent Energy Materials Community meeting brought together industry leaders to examine the evolving landscape of battery materials, with a strong focus on supply chain resilience and domestic production.

Sam Adham of CRU opened the discussion with a global outlook, noting that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are placing pressure on oil and liquefied natural gas transportation, which in turn is increasing costs for key inputs such as synthetic graphite. He emphasized that de-risking and diversifying supply chains has become a central priority, particularly for North American battery manufacturers.

Presentations from First Phosphate, 6K, and American Energy Technologies Company (AETC) highlighted tangible progress toward building localized supply chains.

John Passalacqua of First Phosphate outlined efforts to establish a fully integrated lithium iron phosphate (LFP) supply chain in Quebec, supported by a unique igneous phosphate resource and government backing.

Alysha Liebscher of 6K shared advancements in plasma microwave technology that enable domestic production of cathode active materials with increased sustainability and flexibility.

Representatives from AETC detailed their expanding graphite production capabilities in the United States, including a new facility in Illinois and partnerships supporting both defense and aerospace applications. Discussion also addressed the growing demand for graphite in emerging technologies such as drones, as well as broader challenges facing electric vehicle and energy storage markets.

Across all presentations, a consistent theme emerged: While China continues to dominate the battery materials market, companies remain committed to localization strategies. Despite policy uncertainties and funding challenges, the industry is advancing alternative production methods and reinforcing domestic supply chains to ensure long-term stability.

Step into the conversations driving the future of battery materials. By joining the Energy Materials Community, you will gain direct access to industry insights, collaborate with leading experts, and play a role in advancing resilient, domestic supply chains. Complete the participation form through this link and add your voice to the dialogue.

Mentorship Program

The new Match2Mentor mentorship initiative, piloted last year, is a wonderful opportunity for individuals with 10+ years of industry experience to serve as mentors, as well as for those earlier in their careers to participate as mentees. The program offers a unique way to collaborate through an informal yet structured relationship, with a focus on exploring opportunities for career growth and enrichment in the battery industry.

Launched last fall as a successful pilot, the program will expand this year. If you or someone you know is interested, please complete the interest survey: https://forms.gle/HricSFUcuekYBUiw8

You can also reach out to the mentoring program chairperson, Joe LoGrasso (jlograsso@gmail.com), or the program director, Patty Anderson (panderson@naatbatt.org), if you have any questions.

BattChatt by NAATBatt

BattChatt by NAATBatt is a series from NAATBatt International featuring interviews with battery industry leaders about the technologies, people, and progress shaping the electrified world.

In this episode, host Jill Pestana interviews Professor Stan Whittingham, Nobel Prize winner for the invention of the lithium-ion battery. They delve into the origins of his groundbreaking discovery, his experiences working at Exxon, and the journey leading up to his Nobel Prize win. 

He also reflects on winning the Nobel Prize and being knighted, his contributions to battery-related initiatives, and the future of the battery industry in the United States. Whittingham highlights the importance of collaboration, risk-taking, and innovative thinking in scientific research, emphasizing the need for workforce development and manufacturing capabilities in the United States.

Listen on Spotify or your podcast platform of choice:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dzkZpnC9LfDTQSj3oROfD

Li-Bridge Corner

Request for Feedback on U.S. Battery Carbon Footprint Calculator

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) are leading an initiative to compare battery carbon footprint (CF) frameworks across regions and to develop a U.S. CF calculator. This effort is intended to support compliance with evolving regulations across multiple jurisdictions. As part of this work, U.S. battery manufacturers are invited to test the calculator and provide feedback on its clarity, practicality, and ease of use.

The calculator is available for download here: https://anl.box.com/s/gx3ditc1sgufn20c3pp1fk159odtngpt. The file includes an “Instructions” tab to guide users. For access issues, users may contact Jingyi Zhang, Energy Systems Analyst, at jingyi.zhang@anl.gov. ANL welcomes feedback on usability, clarity of inputs and outputs, and suggestions for improving the user experience. Feedback may be shared via email or virtual meetings such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

Advanced Battery Industry News

Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) is planning to invest CNY4.1 billion ($600 million) for a 49% stake in Zhongheng Technology Investment, parent company of Zhongheng Electric, which produces data center power systems. (Source: Yicai Global)

EVE Energy has launched its 6.9MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and has signed agreements totaling over 50GWh (gigawatt-hours) with Beijing Goldwind Zero Carbon Energy, Zhejiang Jinko Energy Storage, Jiangsu Linyang Energy Equipment, China Energy Construction Energy Storage Technology (Wuhan) and Shanghai Ronghe Yuan Energy Storage. (Source: EVE Energy)

Neoen (France-based) has signed a contract with the Nidec ASI (Japan-based) for the construction of its 248MW/496MWh (megawatt-hour) Vernou-la-Celle-sur-Seine battery, which will be connected to RTE’s 400 kV high voltage transmission network. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026, with the asset expected to start operating in 2028. (Source: Neoen)

Eni (Italy-based) has invested $70 million (as part of a capital increase of $297 million) to support Nouveau Monde Graphite’s (NMG) development of the Matawinie Mine. Eni is expected to hold an 11.5% stake after authorization by NMG’s AGM by the end of May. (Source: Eni)

A consortium led by Tokyu Land and members Itochu and Tokyo Century’s joint venture (JV) IBeeT, Fuyo General Lease, Nomura Real Estate Development, Maeda, Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Panasonic Finance will invest in six BESS projects totalling 174MW in Japan. The portfolio will require a total investment of about JPY 30 billion ($188 million) and is expected to come online sequentially starting from fiscal year 2027. (Source: Renewables Now)

Neoen announced an investment in Japan’s Ako Battery (100MW/400 MWh), located in the Hyogo Prefecture, in the Kansai region of Japan. The company is collaborating with Equans (France-based) and Toho (Japan-based) on this project and obtained a grid connection agreement with Kansai Electric Power. The battery is scheduled to be operational in 2028. (Source: Neoen)

Iberdrola Portugal has begun installing 180MWh of BESS at the Alcochete I (25MW/100MWh) and Algeruz II (20MW/80MWh) solar plants, located in the district of Setúbal, Portugal. The batteries will be able to supply electricity for up to 4 hours to over 10,000 homes. (Source: Iberdrola)

Rock Tech Lithium announced a strategic partnership with the BMI Group to develop Rock Tech's lithium converter facility in Ontario, Canada. BMI Group intends to invest CAD $200 million ($145 million) in the project. (Source: Rock Tech Lithium) 

Energy Vault Holdings announced a binding agreement to acquire an 850MW pipeline of BESS projects from a Japanese energy storage developer consisting of 350MW targeted to commence construction in 2H27 and reach commercial operations beginning in 2H28. The portfolio also includes 500MW of early-stage BESS projects. (Source: Energy Vault)

GridStor and Axpo announced the execution of an energy storage agreement with the Hidden Lakes Reliability Project, a 220MW/440MWh BESS located in Galveston County, Texas, which began operations in 4Q25. (Source: GridStor)

Planet One Group (Dubai-based) announced the signing of a joint venture agreement with State Mining Corporation of Tanzania for funding and developing 3 graphite concessions in the Mererani Region of Tanzania. (Source: Planet One Group)

Focus Graphite has entered into a Joint Product Development Agreement (JPDA) with Forge Nano to evaluate ALD (atomic layer deposition) coating technology on natural graphite sourced from the company’s Lac Knife project in Quebec. (Source: Focus Graphite)

Foxconn and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus plan to export electric buses (ebuses) made in Japan by 2030. The companies will establish a 50/50 JV in 2H26 focused on bus development and production. Manufacturing will take place at Mitsubishi Fuso’s plant in Toyama. The partnership aims to develop an ebus model around 2027. (Source: Taiwan News)

ZincFive® unveiled its ‘NiZn Retrofit Kit’, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) energy storage solution designed to bring the benefits of battery chemistry to existing UPS battery systems in mission-critical environments. (Source: ZincFive)

BMW is cooperating with Rimac Technology (Croatia) on the all-electric BMW i7 (EV). The aim of the joint project is to bring Gen6 technology developed by BMW for a high-voltage storage system for more range and higher charging speed to 7 Series. The Gen6 battery utilizes cylindrical cells for a 20% higher energy density compared to the prismatic cells of the Gen5. (Source: BMW)

SK On’s plant in Komárom, Hungary (its European production hub) is operating both its cell and module production lines at a utilization rate in the mid-80% range – exceeding the 48.7% average utilization rate of the company’s domestic and international plants last year. The usage is driven by growth in the European EV market. The facility supplies Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM) batteries to the Volkswagen Group and Ford. (Source: Business Korea)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation and Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office have announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity of up to $69 million for technologies or processes that advance the domestic production and refining of critical materials.  Join an informational webinar on April 16, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. ET to learn more. (Source: U.S. DOE)

The U.S. DOE Ames National Laboratory (Ames) and the Critical Materials Innovation Hub will collaborate with Amazon to advance technologies that recover and recycle materials, such as battery-grade graphite, and minerals that power technologies. (Source: Ames)  

Stellantis is in discussions with Leapmotor (China-based) to jointly develop an Opel-branded electric SUV that would use Leapmotor's technology and be produced at Stellantis' Zaragoza plant in Spain. Stellantis formed a partnership with Leapmotor after acquiring around 20% of the company in 2023. They ⁠also have the Leapmotor International JV that is in charge of the sales and production of Leapmotor cars outside China. (Source: Reuters)

HiTHIUM has received certification from UL Solutions for the fire test of its ∞Power 6.25MWh 4h BESS. The company’s BESS was tested under open-door, large-scale fire conditions in compliance with this standard, validating the reliability of its passive safety design. (Source: HiTHIUM)

Source: CRU Group

Executive Director's Notes

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