Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd (ASX:MNS, OTCQX:MNSEF) and joint venture and technology partner Charge CCCV LLC advanced the Imperium3 New York (iM3NY) gigawatt-scale lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Endicott, New York, to 78% completion as of the end of May.
Importantly, fully automated production is expected to start within the next five weeks and begin ramping up over the balance of the year.
Some delays were experienced during May due to global supply chain issues with the delivery of machinery from overseas suppliers.
As of this week, all major equipment is now on-site and being installed with in excess of 30 engineers (provided by the equipment manufacturers) and contractors expediting the process.
Battery cells produced from semi-automated production.
iM3NY CEO Chaitanya Sharma said: “After years of planning we are entering into an exciting phase with fully automated production expected in the near future.
“Whilst experiencing recent supply chain issues and delays in the shipping of equipment, we are so close to our target set over 12 months ago which is a huge achievement by the team in the climate that has existed.”
“We look forward to keeping all stakeholders updated with any developments.”
Recent milestones
During May, the electrolyte filling equipment was connected to the inside of the dry room, with a couple of modules placed in the High Bay area.
The controlled (moisture and temperature) atmosphere of the dry room is of utmost importance, especially during the cell electrolyte filling step.
Degassing ductwork.
Any traces of moisture will react with the electrolyte resulting in undesirable side reactions and products that will slowly deteriorate the battery performance.
Furthermore, during May, iM3NY continued to work diligently with Ramboll engineering on the power distribution panels and electrical equipment which serves as the backbone of the electrical distribution throughout the plant.
Completed items during May 2022
- Installed temporary compressed air piping for cell fabrication equipment
- Completed hook ups for air handling units (AHU) 4 and 5
- Completed installation of exterior pipe racks
- Completed installations of filling dry rooms
- Rig and set electrolyte filling equipment
- Rig and set drying ovens
- Continued installation of utility piping to exterior pipe racks
- Began installation of vacuum piping to cell fabrication equipment
- Began utility hook ups to AHU 1 & 2
- Began process exhaust ductwork for coating lines and cell fabrication equipment
- Began process equipment fit up for mixing equipment
- Began anode coating line interconnects