Ad-hoc | 22 August 2011 07:00
Leclanché SA / Key word(s): Miscellaneous
22.08.2011 07:00
Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 72 KR
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Leclanché develops with industry partners ground-breaking storage
technology for renewable energies
- Development of high-capacity lithium-Ion batteries based on lithium
titanate and lithium iron phosphate
- The almost-5-million-euro project is being funded to the tune of about
EUR 2.5 million by the German Ministry of Economic Affairs, of which
approx. EUR 0.8 million is for Leclanché
Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, 22 August, 2011 - Leclanché SA (SIX Swiss
Exchange: LECN), Leclanché S.A. (SIX Swiss Exchange : LECN), specialized in
the production of large-format lithium ion cells and energy storage
solutions, concluded a partnership to develop a new generation of large
format lithium-ion batteries based on lithium titanate and lithium iron
phosphate. The background to the nearly 5-million-euro project and the EUR
2.5 million funding by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(BMWi) is primarily the growing demand for high-performance batteries to
store renewable energies.
'Participation in the project is the logical consequence of our strategy of
focusing on the stationary market segment. In doing so, Leclanché is
defending its technology leadership and seizing new opportunities to
develop storage solutions not only for the home market, but also for
large-scale industry.' said Dr. Ulrich Ehmes, Chief Executive Officer of
Leclanché SA. 'Cooperation with large players confirms our expertise in the
development of high-capacity lithium-ion cells, particularly those based on
lithium titanate, which are ideally suited for efficient energy storage in
view of their high charging and discharging cycle rates.'
The new lithium batteries are designed to be maintenance-free and safe even
in the event of damage (overload, overheating), to have a much longer
service life and higher efficiency as well as withstanding increased
temperatures.
The various partners involved cover the entire value chain for the
production of the new storage technology. In accordance with its strategy,
Leclanché will focus on its core expertise as a cell manufacturer and thus
contribute to the project primarily the know-how required for mass
production of lithium-ion cells. The recently-launched project is designed
to run for about three years. Leclanché is participating in it to the tune
of EUR 1.7 million euros and is receiving funding of EUR 0.8 million.
About Leclanché
Leclanché specializes in the production of tailor-made energy storage
solutions and is a leading manufacturer of large-format lithium ion cells
in Europe. Through a unique, licensed separator technology, the core
element of lithium ion cells, Leclanché is capable of manufacturing cells
with above-average safety features and a significantly increased life in an
automated production process. The company's core markets are industries
which have highest demands on energy storage systems. They include energy
storage solutions, which allow better utilization of the power supply
system, large hybrid diesel engines and electric vehicles.
Leclanché has an installed annual production capacity of up to 4 MWh or
100,000 large format lithium-ion cells. To prepare for the increasing
demand for this technology, the company has decided to install an
additional production unit with a capacity of up to 50 MWh or million cells
per year as of 2012.
Leclanché was founded in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains. Through the integration
of a spin-off from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2006, the company
developed from being a traditional battery manufacturer to becoming a
leading developer and manufacturer of lithium ion cells in Europe.
Leclanché currently employs 94 staff and recorded revenues of CHF 15.05
million in 2010. The company has its headquarters in Yverdon-les-Bains
(Switzerland) and has production and development facilities in Willstätt
(Germany). Leclanché is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LECN).
Media contact:
Christophe Lamps, Dynamics Group S.A.: Telephone: +41 79 476 26 87,
cla@dynamicsgroup.ch
Contact for German media:
Markus Wieser, CNC AG: Telefon: +49 89 599 458 1xx,
Markus.wieser@cnc-communications.com
Disclaimer
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to
Leclanché's business, which can be identified by terminology such as
'strategic', 'proposes', 'to introduce', 'will', 'planned', 'expected',
'commitment', 'expects', 'set', 'preparing', 'plans', 'estimates', 'aims',
'would', 'potential', 'awaiting', 'estimated', 'proposal', or similar
expressions, or by expressed or implied discussions regarding the ramp up
of Leclanché's production capacity, potential applications for existing
products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or
potential future sales or earnings of Leclanché or any of its business
units. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such
forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Leclanché regarding
future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
statements. There can be no guarantee that Leclanché's products will
achieve any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that
Leclanché, or any of the business units, will achieve any particular
financial results.
22.08.2011 News transmitted by EquityStory AG.
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Language: English
Company: Leclanché SA
Av. des Sports 42
1400 Yverdon-les-Bains
Switzerland
Phone: +41 (24) 424 65-00
Fax: +41 (24) 424 65-20
E-mail: investors@leclanche.com
Internet: www.leclanche.com
ISIN: CH0016271550, CH0110303119
Swiss Security Number: 812950 , A1CUUB
Listed: SIX
End of Announcement EquityStory News-Service
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