The new center marks a significant step towards developing in-house technological expertise in Russia’s promising battery materials sector

Nornickel has inaugurated a Battery Technology Center in St. Petersburg, marking a new phase in the company’s efforts to advance technological capabilities in the promising field of nickel-containing cathode active materials (CAM) — a key component in modern batteries.

The center will focus on the development and research of battery materials using state-of-the-art equipment unique in Russia, enabling the full cycle of synthesis and testing under specialized conditions.

**A research scientist at the Battery Center assembling a battery cell in a “dry room”**

Vitaly Busko, Nornickel Vice President for Innovations, commented: “Nornickel is investing significant resources in developing new R&D capabilities, which are set to become a vital element of the company’s global strategy to expand its technological expertise. Establishing a scientific foundation for the production of cathode active materials aligns with Russia’s goals of ensuring a full-cycle battery production for electric transportation.”

**A Battery Center specialist demonstrates cathode active material paste used for electrode fabrication**

Nornickel’s R&D centre has already produced the first samples of NCM 811+ specification cathode materials, with plans for further development of new products. The outcomes of the research facility are expected to lay the groundwork for future projects aimed at establishing production facilities in the battery materials sector.