Orion S.A. begins construction of battery materials plant in Texas

Global speciality chemicals firm Orion S.A. recently announced the ground breaking of its battery materials plant in the city of La Porte, southeast of Houston in the state of Texas, claimed as "the only facility" in the United States producing acetylene-based conductive additives for lithium-ion batteries. 

Every battery requires conductive additives. They enable a more efficient flow of electricity and extend the lifetime of lithium-ion batteries. The material also plays an essential role in high-voltage cables used for wind and solar farms.

Given the importance of lithium batteries in electrification and energy transition, the company claims that the battery additives produced at its upcoming plant will be super clean, with only one-tenth of the carbon footprint of other commonly used materials.

Orion is already the sole producer of acetylene-based conductive additives in Europe," Orion CEO Corning Painter said at the groundbreaking ceremony. "Our plant in La Porte will be a pivotal step toward strengthening the regional supply of conductive additives in the rapidly growing U.S. battery market", he added. 

The additives produced at the La Porte plant will be made from acetylene, a colorless gas that Orion's production process turns into powder with exceptional purity demanded by leading battery manufacturers. The acetylene will be supplied by a neighboring site owned by Equistar Chemicals LP, a subsidiary of LyondellBasell, according to the company. 

Orion's plant in La Porte is similar to one the company has in the city of Berre-l'Étang in southern France. The company has said that the field construction activities are being ramped up, with production expected in the second quarter of 2025.