UBE Corporation marked a significant milestone on February 24 with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) plant near New Orleans, Louisiana. The event was attended by approximately 180 individuals, including government officials, local community members, and construction partners.

Joining UBE in this celebration is HYCO1, a pioneering provider of syngas production and carbon utilization technology. HYCO1 is playing a pivotal role in this project by supplying its cutting-edge syngas technology, crucial for the efficient and sustainable production of essential components for high-performance EV batteries.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of key UBE executives, including Masato Izumihara, President and Representative Director, Yuki Nishida, Representative Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, and representatives from UBE C1 Chemicals America, Inc., the entity responsible for manufacturing DMC and EMC in the United States.

This groundbreaking event represents more than just the commencement of construction; it signifies a transformative moment in the landscape of lithium-ion battery production. The new facility will be the first of its kind in the United States, producing DMC and EMC, critical electrolytes that enhance the performance and longevity of EV batteries.

UBE’s decision to partner with HYCO1 followed an extensive evaluation of various syngas, CO, and H2 supply options, including traditional industrial gas production methods. After rigorous feasibility studies and engineering diligence, UBE selected HYCO1’s proprietary CUBE Technology. This technology enables the UBE plant to produce CO and H2 gases with significantly enhanced efficiency, resulting in substantial operational savings. Notably, the CUBE Technology allows for the integration of CO2 as a feedstock, further reducing the plant’s carbon footprint and boosting overall efficiency.

HYCO1’s CUBE Technology offers several key advantages. It provides operational flexibility by enabling the use of lower-cost CO2 instead of natural gas. This significantly enhances the sustainability and efficiency of syngas production. Secondly, the technology boasts operational efficiency. The catalyst employed reduces the energy needed to produce CO and H2, lowering steam requirements compared to traditional Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) catalysts.

The partnership between UBE and HYCO1 highlights a mutual dedication to sustainable innovation and the advancement of the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

The collaboration between UBE and HYCO1 underscores a shared commitment to sustainable innovation and the advancement of the EV industry. This new plant in New Orleans is poised to become a cornerstone in the supply chain for high-performance EV batteries, contributing to the global transition towards cleaner and more efficient transportation.