On April 8, 2025, Katop Automation Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of the Chinese company PuTaiLai New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (also known as PuTaiLai), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MOLL Batterien GmbH, a German company. The MoU outlines their collaboration on a sodium-ion battery factory project located in Lichtenfels, Germany.
The project aims to focus on energy storage solutions, with a targeted annual production capacity of between 500MWh and 1GWh. Under the agreement, Katop will provide the technology and equipment for battery electrode production, including process flow design, electrode processing equipment, and prototype materials.
Additionally, Katop, leveraging support from its parent company PuTaiLai, will supply various materials necessary for sodium-ion battery production, such as negative electrode materials, separators, binders, current collectors, and aluminum-plastic packaging films.
MOLL Batterien, a company with over 75 years of experience in the battery industry, will shift its focus towards sodium-ion battery technology through this collaboration.
The factory project is expected to create numerous jobs in the region, contributing to local economic growth and offering employment opportunities in both the manufacturing and research sectors.
Further developments and updates regarding the project will be monitored as the partnership progresses.