The construction of the $1.2 billion strategic cathode plant for the Bécancour battery sector of EcoPro CAM and the manufacturer Ford, which was to begin production in 2026, is on hold.
“We were recently informed by EcoPro that they would not renew the contract, despite the progress made on the site, the impeccable execution of the project and the great collaboration between the parties”, indicated to the Newspaper Harold Fortin, spokesperson for AtkinsRéalis, confirming the news first reported by The Press.
“We will be forced to begin a demobilization process which will be carried out in a professional manner, including site security, in compliance with applicable regulations and legislation,” he continued.
Falling investments
According to an article in Korea Timeswe learned that SK would slow down its investments in batteries due to a drop in global demand for electric cars.
Last November, The newspaper already reported that Ford had put investments of $16 billion on hold, Honda and General Motors (GM) had aborted a $7 billion project and that certain electric sales were down 50% in Europe for Volkswagen.
Despite this context, Honda did not hesitate to announce a $15 billion project, a third of which, $5 billion, will come from public funds, in Ontario last week.
Remember that the EcoPro CAM Quebec plant was to produce 45,000 tonnes of active cathode materials per year for the manufacture of batteries for Ford.
Announced in August 2023, the $1.2 billion project had obtained a $322 million loan from Quebec, including $194 million forgivable, as well as a $322 million loan from Ottawa, which was expected to create some 345 jobs. .
At the Bécancour Industrial and Port Park Company (SPIPB), they say they have “no information of delays on other projects”.
Provided by Investissement Québec
Work suspended
In a letter sent to its subcontractors and suppliers, obtained by The newspaperAtkinsRéalis insists that the execution of the work was “impeccable”, but that the project with EcoPro was not renewed.
“We ask you to kindly suspend, in a safe manner and while minimizing the resulting costs, the execution of subcontractor work until you receive new instructions,” we can read.
As of Monday morning, Ford had not responded to questions from Newspaper.
– Further details will follow.
