The Government of British Columbia, the Government of Canada and Taiwan’s E-One Moli announced plans for a new lithium-ion battery cell facility in Maple Ridge, B.C. on Nov. 14.
“As our province builds a stronger, cleaner economy, we open the door to immense opportunities in the private sector that value B.C. as a centre for innovation, investment and cutting-edge technology,” said B.C. Premier David Eby with the announcement. “The new E-one Moli advanced manufacturing plant will create hundreds of good, local jobs and continue to establish B.C. as a leader in building a clean-energy future.”
When built, the project will create 350 new permanent jobs in the region. Construction is expected to begin in June 2024, with the facility anticipated to be fully operational in 2028.
“E-One Moli believes in total climate commitment as well as total care commitment and looks forward to producing a pure green battery to support the world’s energy transition,” said Nelson Chang, chairman, E-One Moli Energy (Canada) Limited and E-One Moli Quantum Energy.
The B.C government will contribute up to $80 million to the E-One Moli facility which “will anchor the company’s North American production.” When complete, the project will be Western Canada’s first high-performance lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility, producing lithium-ion battery cells for consumer products and medical devices. The E-One Moli project will also support the development of a domestic critical-minerals supply chain ecosystem.
“British Columbians have long been known for their innovation in the clean-technology space. Today, as we secure a major clean battery manufacturing project in Maple Ridge, we build on that expertise to secure hundreds of middle-class jobs, while fighting climate change,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with the announcement. “The world is looking to Canada. When we support projects like E-One Moli’s new facility in Maple Ridge, we bolster Canada’s role as a global clean-tech leader, create good jobs and help keep our air clean.”
This announcement comes on the heels of other B.C. government investments, including $10 million to Massive Canada for a new mass-timber production facility at Williams Lake, B.C. and $75 million to AbCellera and its biotechnology expansion in Vancouver.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was joined by the Premier of British Columbia David Eby and the Mayor of Maple Ridge Dan Ruimy to announce support for a major lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility in Maple Ridge, B.C. Photo by Lars Hagberg.
