On April 15, 2026, IBU-tec advanced materials AG marked a key milestone in scaling up its European lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode production with a topping-out ceremony for a new spray tower at its Bitterfeld-Wolfen site. The facility, which is scheduled to begin production in 2028, will have an annual capacity of approximately 15,000 metric tons of LFP cathode material, making it the first plant of its kind in Europe.
IBU-tec’s proprietary, China-independent process is designed to cut energy consumption by roughly half compared with conventional methods, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of LFP production. The Bitterfeld-Wolfen plant is being built in one of Europe’s major chemical hubs, leveraging existing utilities and infrastructure to meet strict sustainability goals.
This project is carried out under a joint development agreement and a subsequent long-term supply contract with PowerCo SE. Under these agreements, PowerCo has secured the entire output of the new facility for ten years. During the transition phase through 2028, IBU-tec will produce LFP cathode material at its Weimar site, with anticipated mid-double-digit million-euro revenues from production and milestone payments over the three years following the plant’s commissioning.
Further steps in 2026 include additional infrastructure work—such as a logistics building—and the planned commissioning of the spray tower in the fourth quarter. The topping-out ceremony was attended by officials from both industry and regional government, including Sven Schulze, Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt, who highlighted the strategic importance of battery materials for Europe’s energy transition and industrial sovereignty.
Jörg Leinenbach, CEO of IBU-tec: “Today, we have come a significant step closer to our goal of becoming Europe’s battery powerhouse. With the new production plant, we are creating the foundation to manufacture LFP cathode material for the first time on an industrial scale in Europe. In doing so, we are making an important contribution to securing the European battery value chain and to supplying our customers with high-performance and more sustainable materials.”
About IBU-tec
IBU-tec Group develops and produces advanced materials using proprietary thermal process technologies. With around 230 employees, its product portfolio includes LFP battery materials, air purification solutions, resource conservation technologies, and packaging reduction systems.
Source: IBU-tec Investor Relations
