6K Energy, CRG Defense partner on battery materials

Key Takeaways

• 6K Energy and CRG Defense partner to build a secure domestic battery supply chain for US defense and mission-critical applications
• The 7-year agreement establishes a long-term cooperation for domestic sourcing of high-performance cathode active materials (CAM)
• The partnership aims to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and support the expansion of US-based battery material production
• 6K Energy will supply CRG Defense with single crystal NMC811 cathode material from its facilities in North Andover, MA, and Jackson, TN
• The collaboration enables the production of fully NDAA compliant, high-energy battery solutions for applications including next-generation UAS

Introduction to the Partnership

6K Energy and CRG Defense have announced a strategic collaboration to establish a secure and domestic battery supply chain for US defense and mission-critical applications. This partnership marks a significant step towards reducing the country's reliance on foreign supply chains and supporting the growth of US-based battery material production.

The Agreement Structure

The 7-year agreement between 6K Energy and CRG Defense outlines a structured Quarterly Purchase Plan to ensure consistent and reliable supply of high-performance CAM to CRG Defense. 6K Energy will initially supply CRG Defense with single crystal NMC811 cathode material from its current facility in North Andover, MA, with additional capacity coming online in late 2026. As the company's state-of-the-art PlusCAM facility in Jackson, TN, becomes operational in early 2028, 6K Energy will meet CRG Defense's expected growth needs using its proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma platform.

Meeting Federal Mandates

The partnership between 6K Energy and CRG Defense is particularly significant in light of recent federal mandates. The FCC's ban on foreign-produced unmanned aerial system (UAS) critical components and Section 842 of the FY 2026 NDAA, which prohibits the Department of War from procuring batteries from foreign entities of concern, have created a high demand for domestic solutions. By utilizing 6K Energy's US-produced CAM products, CRG Defense will deliver fully NDAA compliant, high-energy battery solutions for applications including next-generation UAS.

Comparison of 6K Energy's UniMelt System

Benefits of the Partnership

The partnership between 6K Energy and CRG Defense offers several benefits, including the production of tailored, domestically produced materials for mission-critical battery applications. The use of 6K Energy's UniMelt system enables the manufacture of advanced materials that are both fast and environmentally friendly. This collaboration also supports the expansion of US-based battery material production, reducing the country's reliance on foreign supply chains and strengthening national security.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the partnership between 6K Energy and CRG Defense marks a significant step towards establishing a secure and domestic battery supply chain for US defense and mission-critical applications. With a 7-year agreement in place, the companies are well-positioned to support the growth of US-based battery material production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The use of 6K Energy's UniMelt system enables the production of tailored, domestically produced materials for mission-critical battery applications, supporting the expansion of the US battery ecosystem and strengthening national security.