Siemens, the German Industrial Giant, to Collaborate on South Carolina’s Battery Manufacturing Ecosystem

The renowned industrial heavyweight from Germany, Siemens, has announced a partnership with Kontrolmatik and its subsidiary, Pomega Energy, each of which have strong ties with South Carolina. The collaboration plans to build a sustainable battery ecosystem within the region, in a bid to accelerate the transition towards a decarbonized energy system. Pomega Energy Storage Technologies USA and Kontrolmatik USA are both working on escalating their energy storage operations across North America.

Joint Efforts Towards A Sustainable Future

The alliance will offer Kontrolmatik the opportunity to cement its position in engineering, integration, and software development while working closely with Siemens. Kontrolmatik and Pomega have in turn offered to help standardize Siemens’ automation equipment and software solutions, according to a news release. The collaboration seeks to enhance the global reach of all three companies, and expand their footprint in the realm of sustainable energy storage.

Siemens continues its mission of assisting American companies in bolstering their battery manufacturing systems by offering an end-to-end technology solution, from supply chain management to recycling and reuse. With the partnership, Kontrolmatik and Pomega plan to standardize Siemens solutions with continuous support and optimization of Siemens automation equipment and software at Pomega’s first LFP battery factory in Turkey.

Focused Collaboration with Academic Institutions

Moreover, with a heightened focus on education, workforce development, and research, the trio has formed an alliance with the University of South Carolina. As part of this alliance, Pomega is set to build a pilot battery production line facilitated by Siemens’ automation and software solutions, with completion expected by the end of 2024. Siemens has extended its generosity, through this collaboration, by donating much software to the University of South Carolina.

Pomega is currently in the process of developing a 500,000-square-foot factory in Colleton County, South Carolina. The sprawling $300 million project is expected to begin battery production this year itself and is predicted to generate over 500 new employment opportunities.

Boosting Battery Research and Production

William E. Mustain, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina, stated that the university is in the process of significantly expanding its battery pilot manufacturing and testing capabilities, building on 30 years of research and investment in the battery sector. “Realizing a facility that we are designing requires partners who share your vision and bring their unique skills to the project, we believe we have found the right partners for success with Siemens, Kontrolmatik, and Pomega.

Pomega’s South Carolina facility will be enlisted among the pioneer facilities in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to LFP solutions for utility and residential battery storage.