Panasonic Energy opens global battery R&D hub in Japan

Panasonic Energy has launched Energy Innovation Square, a new global research and development hub for lithium-ion batteries located in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture. The facility will focus on material development, cell design, and prototyping.

Working in conjunction with the Suminoe Production Development Facility in Osaka, the new hub aims to accelerate the development and mass production of next-generation batteries tailored for the automotive and data center sectors. Technologies and manufacturing processes created at these sites will be implemented across Panasonic Energy’s global network, including existing plants in Japan and the United States in Nevada and Kansas.

The Energy Innovation Square will employ approximately 500 staff members specializing in product planning, technology development, and cell analysis. Combined with the Suminoe facility, the specialized battery development operation will employ roughly 800 people. Panasonic Energy intends to double its development efficiency by fiscal year 2031 compared to 2024 levels to better meet rising global demand.