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Evolution Metals Partnered for U.S. Battery Facility

Evolution Metals & Technologies signed an agreement with UK-based INERGX to design power systems for a new U.S. processing plant.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration of a heap of refined mineral ore beside a modular energy storage unit, representing industrial processing systems.
Evolution Metals & Technologies and UK-based INERGX Energy Optimisation have partnered to design power and processing systems for a new critical materials facility in the U.S. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Evolution Metals & Technologies and UK firm INERGX Energy Optimisation Ltd. have signed a Letter of Intent to develop a U.S. facility for processing critical materials and battery black mass. The project aims to establish a non-China battery supply chain, addressing a market landscape where China controlled roughly 85% of global cell manufacturing in 2024.

Why it matters

The facility requires robust power quality to support continuous processing, prompting the integration of on-site LNG generation and energy storage. By sourcing cells exclusively from non-China partners, the companies seek to create a localized, independent supply chain.

The proposed facility targets 1 GW of capacity within two years, scaling to 5 GW at full build-out. This output is designed to support a 10-year service agreement and is equivalent to the power needs of 4 million homes.

The players

Evolution Metals & Technologies

This is a materials firm that currently operates an existing magnet production facility in Pohang, Republic of Korea.

INERGX Energy Optimisation Ltd.

This is a United Kingdom-based company that specializes in energy storage and power systems design.

The details

INERGX will perform a First Block Study to model the integration of on-site LNG generation and storage systems. This technical framework is essential for maintaining the continuous operations required to process critical materials and battery black mass.

Timeline

  1. October 6, 2026: Announcement of the Letter of Intent.

  2. Within two weeks of signing: Company provides site inputs.

  3. Within eight weeks of receipt: INERGX delivers the First Block Study.

  4. Within two years: First phase capacity of 1 GW planned.

Roadmap

This project represents a critical step in the industry's attempt to diversify away from China's 85% share of 2024 global battery cell manufacturing capacity. By establishing a domestic processing hub, the firm positions itself to lead in non-China critical materials supply chains.

This facility aims to support the broader transition to electric vehicles by stabilizing the supply of critical battery materials. Increased domestic processing capacity could eventually lower raw material bottlenecks for EV manufacturers, potentially influencing future vehicle production costs.

The takeaway

The development of non-China supply chains is becoming a central strategy for firms looking to secure the long-term feasibility of battery production. Readers should monitor regional facility planning as a key indicator for localized production trends.

What happens next

Definitive agreements for the project are targeted within 12 weeks of the acceptance of the First Block Study.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest innovations in the Electric Vehicles industry.

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Should companies be required to source critical materials from non-foreign suppliers?