IBU-tec advanced materials AG (ISIN: DE000A0XYHT5) is making steady progress in building Europe's first industrial-scale production facility for LFP battery materials in Bitterfeld, Germany. The company announced on July 15, 2026, that construction of logistics infrastructure, expansion of analytics capabilities, and IT system harmonization are all proceeding according to schedule. Detailed engineering for the production facilities has begun, and the steel structure for a new logistics hall with storage capacity for approximately 1,800 pallets has been erected, with interior fit-out expected over the next six months.
Following the topping-out ceremony for a new state-of-the-art spray tower in April 2026, IBU-tec is progressing on agreements with PowerCo SE regarding process development, capacity expansion, and production of LFP cathode material. Trial operations for the spray tower are scheduled to begin in Q4 2026. The LFP production facility, set to commence operations in 2028, will have an annual capacity of 15,000 tonnes, increasing IBU-tec's existing capacities by approximately five times.
This facility is a key building block in developing a European battery value chain, as it relies on a proprietary production process developed by IBU-tec that does not use Chinese technology and is tailored to the European market. The battery material produced boasts a superior CO2 footprint, consuming only about half the energy compared to conventional processes from China. PowerCo has contractually secured the entire production volume for a minimum of ten years, as detailed in the ad hoc release from October 6, 2025.
Jörg Leinenbach, CEO of IBU-tec advanced materials AG, stated: "We are making good progress in building the large-scale production capacities for LFP battery materials in Bitterfeld. We are in close and constructive communication with PowerCo regarding the scheduled implementation of our timeline. In the coming months, we will achieve further milestones so that production can start as expected in 2028."
The announcement is significant for the European automotive and energy storage industries, which are seeking to reduce dependence on Asian battery supply chains. By establishing local production of LFP cathode materials with a lower carbon footprint, IBU-tec supports the EU's goals for sustainable electromobility and energy independence. The facility's output will directly supply PowerCo, a major battery manufacturer, ensuring a stable supply chain for electric vehicle batteries and stationary storage systems.
The original press release can be viewed at NewMediaWire.
