J-Star secures LOI for 100MWh Texas battery plant with 18-month site control
YMAT•J-Star secured an LOI on April 14 granting site-selection support, infrastructure planning, and 18-month availability of five-acre parcels for its proposed 100MWh solid-state battery plant in Baytown, Texas. The project has a $60M sovereign-backed loan authorization toward a $122.5M total investment.
1. LOI Terms and Site Support
On April 14, J-Star executed a Letter of Intent with the Baytown West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation to secure multiple five-acre industrial parcels in the TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park for its proposed 100MWh solid-state battery facility. The LOI formalizes local commitment to site-selection assistance and meets federal grant application timelines.
2. Infrastructure and Development Framework
The LOI outlines infrastructure requirements including a minimum five-acre site accommodating a 12,000-square-foot ISO-7 Ultra-Dry Room, external mechanical systems, and access to 4,000-amp electrical service for automated production and proprietary NAEPE coating processes. It also contemplates discussions on a long-term lease with a future purchase option for JMA(TX) Inc., the U.S. operating subsidiary.
3. Financing and Investment
J-Star has received sovereign-backed authorization from the Central Bank of Taiwan for a $60M loan facility, contributing toward an expected $122.5M total investment in the Baytown project. The full DOE grant application under IIJA Section 40207 remains listed as "In Review," with no funding determination made to date.
4. Partnerships and Technology
The LOI acknowledges J-Star’s patented solvent-free PSSB technology (Patent No. US 2022/0209218 A1) and its collaborations with Patriot Green Energy Technology and Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute, highlighting strategic support for advanced battery research, manufacturing, and regional economic development.
