SNC-Lavalin has received an initial contract from EcoProBM, a South Korean prominent player in cathode materials, to undertake the design and construction of a significant Cathode Active Material (CAM) plant in Bécancour, Québec, Canada.
The initial contract is estimated at $141 million and marks SNC-Lavalin’s inaugural significant engagement within Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) battery sector.
New Cathode Active Material (CAM) Plant – Project Summary
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Project Name |
New Cathode Active Material (CAM) Plant for Electric Vehicles |
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Client |
EcoProBM |
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Contractor |
SNC-Lavalin |
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Location |
Bécancour, Québec, Canada |
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Contract |
Design and Construction of CAM Plant |
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Contract Value |
$141 million (Part of $1.2B investment in the plan in the new plant) |
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Other important Stakeholders |
Ford and SK On (Other JV partners for the Plant Construction) |
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Contract Style |
Design and Build |
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Plant Capacity upon Completion |
45,000 tonnes of CAM per year |
New Cathode Active Material (CAM) Plant – Project Details and Background
EcoProBM has established a collaborative venture with Ford Motor Co. and SK On Co to initiate a $1.3 billion Cathode Active Material (CAM) plant within the Bécancour Industrial Park, strategically located between Quebec City and Montreal.
For EcoProBM, this marks their second international factory, with the plant set to launch three production lines anticipated to become operational in April 2026. The plant’s projected annual production capacity stands at 45,000 tonnes.
What is the Cathode Active Material?
The cathode is a core material that directly correlates with lithium secondary cells’ charging capacity and lifespan.
Cathode Active Materials (CAM) defines the capabilities and utilization of distinct rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that are used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.
With the surge in demand for lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicle and battery cell manufacturers are facing challenges and pressures in their supply chain. CAM emerges as one of the pivotal components dictating performance, efficiency, reliability, costs, durability, and the physical dimensions of lithium-ion batteries.
CAM is a crucial battery component for electric vehicles, constituting approximately 40 per cent of the total battery cell cost.
New Cathode Active Material (CAM) Plant – SNC Lavalin Engagement
The initial contract is estimated at approximately $141 million, marking SNC-Lavalin’s inaugural substantial engagement in the Canadian electric vehicle (EV) battery market. SNC-Lavalin’s contribution will leverage its standing as a fully integrated professional services and project management firm.
The partnership between EcoProBM and SNC-Lavalin for the project has been ongoing for more than 15 months of collaborative efforts on preliminary contracts.
The collaborative approach has facilitated the development of comprehensive technical and planning solutions for rapid design-build project execution.
Mr Sang-Young OH, Managing Director in Global Strategy & Planning at EcoProBM, expressed satisfaction in choosing SNC-Lavalin as their preferred partner. He highlighted the confidence in SNC-Lavalin’s capacity to meet and exceed expectations, citing their demonstrated know-how and the ability to align with the project’s evolving objectives.
