LG Energy Solution has completed a standalone battery plant in Ontario, Canada. LG Energy Solution said it held an opening ceremony for its battery manufacturing unit, NextStar Energy, in Windsor, Ontario, on Wednesday local time. Attendees included Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Canadian federal industry minister Melanie Joly, Minister Kim Jeong-gwan (김정관) of Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and LG Energy Solution CEO Kim Dong-myung (김동명).

NextStar Energy is the only battery manufacturing facility in Canada. The site covers 390,000 square metres and produces electric vehicle batteries and energy storage system batteries for AI data centres and large power grids. After starting mass production of cells in November last year, it has produced more than 1 million battery cells so far.

NextStar Energy has invested more than 5 trillion won since its launch in 2022. It directly employs 1,300 people and aims to create 2,500 jobs in the long term.

NextStar Energy was launched in March 2022 as a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis. After starting construction of the Windsor plant in November that year, it began producing modules last year. In February this year, LG Energy Solution announced it would acquire a 100 percent stake and switch the facility to a standalone plant.

Joly said, "This advanced battery manufacturing facility will support next-generation vehicle production, strengthen energy infrastructure and help promote the development of strategic technologies needed by partners and allies." She added, "This is an outcome based on the Korea-Canada memorandum of understanding for future mobility and strategic cooperation, and Canada is not simply joining the flow of future mobility but is directly shaping its direction."

Kim Jeong-gwan said, "Canada is an old friend that stood with Korea when it faced its most difficult times." He added, "I find it very meaningful that we are building the NextStar Energy plant, a symbol and milestone of industrial cooperation between our two countries, in Ontario, which is one of the regions that dispatched troops in the past to defend the freedom of the Republic of Korea and protect our people."

Kim Dong-myung said, "LG Energy Solution’s decision to operate NextStar Energy on its own was a choice driven by strong confidence." He added, "As Canada’s first and only battery manufacturing facility, NextStar Energy will be a key driving force leading Canada’s electrification future."