Group14 Technologies, a developer of silicon-carbon composite materials as an alternative to the graphite used in lithium-ion batteries, has announced the initiation of the first phase of its European expansion by beginning at its silane factory in Spreetal, Germany.

This strategic move by Group14 is integral to its aim of boosting regional production of EV batteries and follows Germany's intent to increase investments in renewable energy sources. As such, the company opted to set up its European base of operations in Germany, starting with the acquisition of Schmid Silicon.

Before the acquisition of the silane factory as part of the Schmid Silicon purchase, the factory had been idle since 2016. Now, the company intends to manufacture a necessary precursor for many energy storage applications, including silicon batteries and solar panels, at the facility.

Analyst QuickTake: In April 2023 , Group14 began construction of a second commercial-scale Battery Active Materials (BAM-2) factory in Moses Lake, Washington. This one-million-square-foot facility will be the world’s largest factory of advanced silicon battery materials and is expected to begin production in 2024. In addition to its expansion plans for Europe, Group14 is developing factories in North America and Asia—the latter as part of a joint venture with SK—to meet the surge in demand for EVs.