Brussels - Solvay is advancing its innovation power in the electric vehicle market to develop the next-generation of solid-state electrolytes for batteries. On the ground, investments started with the opening earlier this year of a dry room laboratory in Solvay's research center near Paris followed by a new R&D pilot line in La Rochelle. With funding from the Ile-de-France and Nouvelle Aquitaine regions, Solvay is leading the development of advanced inorganic materials for solid electrolytes, a key component of solid-state batteries, and accelerating the scale up of these materials. Full operation is anticipated for the second quarter of 2022.

'Solvay's ambition to accelerate energy transition and make e-mobility a reality is best illustrated by our commitment to developing critical materials for next generation solid-state batteries,' explained Mike Finelli, president of Solvay's strategic growth platforms. 'These batteries will deliver increased range, shorter charging time and enhanced safety to electric car users. Our broad portfolio and focused research and innovation investments makes us the perfect partner to support battery manufacturers' ambitious targets.'

'Our Paris-Aubervilliers and La Rochelle sites will play a critical role in the region for delivering ground-breaking advanced materials for the next generation of batteries,' explained Francois Pontais, president of Solvay France. 'By accelerating our innovation for future technologies, we will deliver breakthrough innovation while creating and safeguarding jobs for the French regions of Nouvelle Aquitaine and Ile-de-France. It is an exciting time to be part of the Solvay team delivering real world solutions to the e-mobility industry.'

The financial support awarded by France is part of the European Commission's Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) programme, in which Solvay has been approved to receive substantial grants over the coming years from participating member states, backed by its own investments, to accelerate EV battery innovation in the European Union. Furthermore, as a significant player in the European Battery Alliance, Solvay is committed to working across this network to build an ecosystem within the entire value chain by delivering advanced materials and partnering for innovation.

About Solvay

Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. With more than 23,000 employees in 64 countries, Solvay bonds people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. The Group seeks to create sustainable shared value for all, notably through its Solvay One Planet plan crafted around three pillars: protecting the climate, preserving resources and fostering better life. The Group's innovative solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices, health care applications, water and air purification systems. Founded in 1863, Solvay today ranks among the world's top three companies for the vast majority of its activities and delivered net sales of EUR9 billion in 2020. Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels (SOLB) and Paris. Learn more at www.solvay.com.

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