[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, April 12, 2026 — Ecopro has secured government funding from Canada to develop lithium metal anode materials, a key component for next-generation solid-state batteries.

The company announced that on April 8 (local time), Ecopro Innovation’s subsidiary, Ecopro Lithium, obtained approximately 6 million Canadian dollars (about 6.4 billion won) in research and development (R&D) support from Natural Resources Canada.

The funding will support a demonstration project focused on lithium metal anode manufacturing processes for next-generation batteries. Compared with conventional graphite anodes, lithium metal anodes offer roughly 10 times higher energy density, significantly extending electric vehicle driving range.

The grant is part of the Canadian government’s Energy Innovation Program, aimed at strengthening the domestic battery supply chain.

Ecopro Innovation, which produces and supplies lithium hydroxide, has been working on lithium metal anode development since signing a joint development agreement with Hydro-Québec in March last year.

Leveraging the funding, the company plans to establish and validate a full local value chain in Canada by March 2027 — covering lithium metal production, high-purity refining, ultra-thin foil manufacturing, and performance and safety verification.

Beyond anode materials, the Ecopro Group is also developing solid electrolytes, cathode materials for solid-state batteries, and lithium sulfide. Its solid electrolyte — targeted for commercialization next year — is currently being pilot-produced at its Ochang facility in South Korea, with an annual capacity of around 40 tons for sample production.

 

 

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