Enertech International

Enertech International is a South Korean company founded in 2001. It is engaged in the production of lithium-ion cells, as well as batteries and energy storage systems, which are used in electronic devices, electric vehicles and power systems. Enertech products by March 2021 are delivered not only in South Korea, but also abroad, including to Russia, Europe and the United States.

History

2023: Rosatom owns 98.32% of the company

Rosatom has almost completely consolidated the South Korean manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries Enertech International. This became known on May 15, 2023.

According to the Kommersant newspaper, citing documents from a Korean company, Ranera, part of Rosatom's fuel division, bought 49% of Enertech in 2021 from Boris Zingarevich's Ener1 holding, and in 2022 increased its stake to 98.32%, having bought the stake from TVG Saehan Holdings Limited, a Ener1 structure. According to the newspaper, without an anchor customer, the South Korean company experienced financial difficulties, its accumulated loss reached $64 million.

Rosatom became the almost sole owner of Enertech International

According to the publication, thanks to the purchase of Enertech and its technologies, Rosatom will be able to produce batteries for electric vehicles at a gigafactory in Kaliningrad. At the same time, Enertech previously collaborated with BMW, Samsung and LG and supplied batteries for Norwegian Think electric vehicles, that is, its technology was recognized as major market players. In 2023, Ranera-Enertek registered five patents in Russia for inventions, including a battery for an electric car with improved cooling characteristics.

Enertech is developing a fairly advanced NMC technology (lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide batteries), the most suitable for use in electric transport, says Igor Chausov from ANO Center Energy.

Rosatom's decision to acquire the technology can only be welcomed, since Russia needs lithium-ion batteries in large quantities now, and the creation of its own technology will take at best three to four years, he believes.

Dmitry Babansky from SBS Consulting adds that Enertech in 2021 announced the start of the production of batteries using NMC811 technology. Such chemistry should reduce the cost of the cell by using less cobalt, he said.^[1]

2021: Ranera bought Enertech International

In March 2021, Rosatom announced the purchase of Enertech International. Its participants chose not to disclose the financial terms of the transaction.

Enertech was a buyer of Rener, an energy storage systems integrator at Rosatom, which acquired a 49% stake in the South Korean company.

The signed agreement also includes the creation in Russia of the production of lithium-ion cells and energy storage systems, the capacity of which by 2030 will be at least 2 GW * h. The first stage is scheduled for launch in 2025. Lithium-ion batteries of the Russian enterprise are planned to be used in electric buses, electric vehicles, special equipment and in the electric grid complex.

Rosatom acquired Enertech International

According to Vygon Consulting, cited by Vedomosti, the total investment in the creation of the enterprise may amount to 12-20 billion rubles, depending on the configuration of the factory and the choice of a specific cell production technology.

Combining with a technology partner is a strategically important stage for the development of Rosatom's business in the energy storage segment. This will increase production capacity, significantly strengthen our competencies and developments in the field of lithium-ion batteries, and will also open up access to foreign markets. In addition, the localization of production in Russia is not only new technologies and products, but also new jobs, "said Natalya Nikipelova, President of TVEL JSC (part of Rosatom[2][3]

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