LG Energy Solution to Supply North America-Made ESS to Canada’s Eneon

Ultium Cells, the joint venture between LG Energy Solution and General Motors, announced on September 29 local time that it will establish a production system for lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic batteries at its Spring Hill, Tennessee plant. Facility upgrades are scheduled to begin later this year and finish in 2028. The company aims to become the first in the world to commercially produce prismatic LMR cells. GM says the cells are designed to offer 33% greater energy density than LFP batteries at a comparable cost.

Korea’s nickel sulphate market remained weak in September. August exports fell 9% MoM, with China-bound shipments down 37% while exports to Japan rose 38%. From Sept. 4-30, China domestic prices fell 2.5%, versus a 4.3% drop in Korean CIF China prices. Weak NCM demand continued to pressure sales, while Q4 conditions will depend largely on China’s post-holiday demand recovery.

[Ministry of Science and Technology: China has become one of the countries with the fastest-rising innovation capacity] At the press conference on the "Launching the 15th Five-Year Plan" series held by the State Council Information Office today (the 29th), Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun introduced that over the past five years, China's scientific and technological innovation has reached a new level, solid strides have been made in building a strong science and technology nation, and strong support has been provided for high-quality development and improvements in people's livelihoods. Major original achievements such as Jiuzhang, Tianwen, and Chang'e have emerged at an accelerated pace, new breakthroughs have been made in chip research, open-source large models are leading globally, emerging industries such as NEVs and robotics are flourishing, and a number of scientific and technological achievements, including innovative drugs and new crop varieties, are benefiting the general public. According to the National Innovation Index Report 2025 by the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development, China's comprehensive national innovation capability ranking stands at 9th globally. China is accelerating its transformation from a global participant and contributor in science and technology to a pioneer and leader, becoming one of the countries with the fastest-rising innovation capacity.