Formosa Smart Energy Tech Corporation (FSET) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) have successfully developed dry electrode technology for lithium-ion batteries, marking a significant breakthrough in domestic new energy technology in terms of materials and manufacturing processes. Through this R&D achievement, FSET and ITRI have established dry electrode process capabilities, advancing the localization of key battery technologies while strengthening Taiwan’s R&D capabilities and industrial self-reliance in the new energy sector. This achievement also lays a solid foundation for the future development of energy storage and electric vehicle markets.

Chairperson Sandy Wang of FSET said that the development of dry electrode technology carries significant strategic importance. Compared with the mainstream wet process currently used in battery manufacturing, the dry process eliminates highly energy-intensive steps such as coating, drying, and solvent recovery, significantly reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and the use of organic solvents. It also reduces equipment investment, labor requirements, and process complexity while improving overall production efficiency. These advantages offer long-term benefits for advancing environmentally friendly manufacturing and strengthening supply chain resilience. Major battery companies in China, South Korea, the United States, and other countries have recently been actively investing in this technology, making it a key technology in lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

Sandy Wang further emphasized that dry electrode technology is also a critical enabler for the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries. As all-solid-state batteries require highly precise material density and interface structures, dry processing can form more stable electrode structures while improving energy density and manufacturing efficiency. Through its collaboration with ITRI, FSET has successfully established a process with potential for large-scale production, laying the groundwork for Taiwan to build a leading position and expand its capabilities in dry electrode technology.

President Stephen Liu of FSET noted that most lithium-ion battery electrodes worldwide currently use wet processing, which involves multiple steps, including slurry mixing, coating, drying, and solvent recovery, resulting in a complex process with relatively high energy consumption. Taking LFP batteries as an example, the drying and solvent recovery processes can account for approximately 40% to 50% of total process energy consumption. By contrast, dry electrode processing only requires active materials, binders, conductive agents, and other powders to be uniformly mixed and then compressed through high-pressure calendaring to form a functional film. The process is therefore simpler and more efficient, while offering greater environmental benefits.

Stephen Liu further explained that dry electrode technology can be applied to the manufacturing of both cathode and anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, covering a wide range of applications, including electric vehicle battery modules, energy storage systems, portable electronic devices, and power equipment. The technology can improve manufacturing efficiency and optimize cost structures, while serving as a key enabler of low-carbon processes and sustainable manufacturing. As global demand for electric vehicles and energy storage continues to grow, breakthroughs in dry electrode technology will accelerate the upgrading of Taiwan’s new energy industry and strengthen its competitiveness in global markets.

FSET will continue to deepen its development of dry electrode technology while actively pursuing diverse collaboration opportunities with industry, government, academia, and research institutions. By building a comprehensive ecosystem covering key areas such as materials, processes, and equipment, FSET aims to inject strong momentum into Taiwan’s new energy industry through localized technology development and innovation.