Following last year, LG Energy Solution is setting out to secure source technology for next-generation batteries by establishing a joint research center with an overseas university in 2022 as well.

LG Energy Solution announced on the 7th that it is establishing the Frontier Research Lab (FRL) together with MEET (Münster Electrochemical Energy Technology), a battery research center at the University of Münster in Germany, and the Helmholtz-Institute Münster branch (HI MS, Helmholtz-Institute Münster), a German national research institute.

FRL is a joint research center where LG Energy Solution establishes and conducts intensive R&D projects related to next-generation batteries in collaboration with leading domestic and international universities and institutions.

Last year, LG Energy Solution also established an FRL with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and KAIST to begin research aimed at securing core battery technology.

The newly launched 'MEET FRL' plans to conduct research on: 'next-generation cathode material technology' that maximizes capacity while lowering battery costs; 'silicon anode material technology' that is essential for improving charging speed and capacity; and 'green processes' that convert electrolyte composition and slurry solvents used in electrode manufacturing into eco-friendly materials.

LG Energy Solution stated, “The MEET at the University of Münster in Germany is “It is a research center recognized for its world-class R&D capabilities in next-generation batteries, led by Professor Martin Winter, a leading authority on batteries with over 30 years of research experience and numerous awards,” they stated. “We will proactively secure advanced technologies related to processes and materials through ‘MEET FRL.’”

LG Energy Solution CTO Shin Young-jun, Executive Vice President, stated, “Global open innovation is paramount to further solidify technological leadership in the rapidly growing battery industry,” adding, “Through FRL, which brings together top experts from leading universities and institutions, we will proactively secure core technologies for next-generation batteries and maximize customer value.”

Meanwhile, with the launch of 'MEET FRL', LG Energy Solution's global joint research centers have increased to a total of three.

The U.S. 'UCSD FRL' and the Korean 'KAIST FRL', which were launched in succession last September and October, are currently researching technologies related to all-solid-state batteries, dry electrode processes, lithium metal, and lithium-sulfur batteries, respectively.