J-Star Secures $60M Taiwan Bank Approval and 18-Month Baytown Site Reservation
YMAT•J-Star Holding outlined milestones for its proposed $122.5 million solid-state battery plant in Baytown, Texas: Taiwan Central Bank clearance for a $60 million outbound investment and an 18-month site reservation by the Baytown West Chambers County EDF. The facility’s DOE grant application remains under review with no funding determination.
1. Taiwan Central Bank Authorization
On May 26, 2026, J-Star’s subsidiary YMA Corporation received approval from the Central Bank of Taiwan for a US$60 million outbound investment to support capital formation for its proposed $122.5 million Baytown solid-state battery manufacturing facility. This regulatory milestone clears financing activities through designated Taiwanese banks and advances the project’s funding roadmap.
2. Baytown EDF Site Reservation
On April 14, 2026, the Baytown West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation issued an 18-month letter of intent reserving a minimum five-acre site at TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park for the facility. Commitments include infrastructure support such as a 12,000 square foot ISO-7 Ultra-Dry Room, 4,000-amp electrical service, and a lease with purchase option.
3. DOE Grant Application Under Review
The company’s full application for DOE’s IIJA Section 40207 battery manufacturing grant remains listed as “In Review” with no funding decision yet. Approval would potentially offset project costs under this $122.5 million initiative and support domestic solid-state battery production.
