Lithium-iron-phosphate-based batteries to be used in industrial processes - Hydro-Québec and the Université de Montréal sign an agreement with Aleees

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 19, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Hydro-Québec, the Université de Montréal and Aleees, one of the world's largest producers of battery materials, are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement that will give the Taiwanese company the right to integrate lithium-iron-phosphate-based batteries into its value chain and use them for industrial purposes in Québec.

Under the agreement, Aleees commits to create jobs in Québec in a manufacturing plant designed specifically to integrate its products and systems into industrial applications, e.g., for electric buses and energy storage system.

"This agreement is a direct result of the leading-edge research and innovation carried out at Hydro-Québec's research institute," noted Élie Saheb, Executive Vice President – Technology at Hydro-Québec. "We are delighted that our patents have led to investments and job creation in Québec. This agreement consolidates Québec's leadership role in transportation electrification."

"The agreement represents Aleees's first foray into North America," explained Sheng-Shih Chang, the CEO from Aleees. "The efficiency of our products and the protection of the environment are our fundamental objectives and we are particularly proud to be working with Hydro-Québec, in part because 99% of the electricity the company produces is from renewable sources and in part due to the low energy costs in Québec."

"The Université de Montréal is very proud of these positive spinoffs in Québec, which are based on a discovery in the field of battery materials made in our laboratories. Our researchers are highly committed to exploring innovative solutions to develop alternative energy sources and greener transportation. This is a challenge on a global scale that they are prepared to address," noted Geneviève Tanguay, Vice Rector of Research, Creation and Innovation at the Université de Montréal.

Lithium iron phosphate is an innovative, powerful, and safe cathode material, used in rechargeable batteries for cell phones, laptop computers and electric and hybrid vehicles. Hydro-Québec and the Université de Montréal own a patent portfolio in the field.

About Aleees

Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry Co., Ltd of Ruentex Group (Aleees), a Taiwan-based top-notch electric bus and LFP cathode material manufacturer, was founded in 2005 by the main shareholders of Ruentex Group, KPCB Fund, and QVT Financial LP. With the mission of "Human Safety and Eco Friendly," Aleees Group aims to build a green, cradle-to-cradle economic system for posterity and for a sustainable environment. Visit the Aleees Web site at www.aleees.com

About Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec transmits and distributes electricity. It is Canada's largest electricity producer and is among the world's largest hydropower producers. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. Its research institute, IREQ, conducts R&D in energy efficiency, energy storage and other energy-related fields. Hydro-Québec invests $100 million in research every year. www.hydroquebec.com

About Université de Montréal

Deeply rooted in Montréal and dedicated to its international mission, the Université de Montréal is one of the top universities in the French-speaking world. Founded in 1878, the Université de Montréal today has 16 faculties and together with its two affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and École Polytechnique, constitutes the largest centre of higher education and research in Québec and one of the major centres in North America. It brings together 2,600 professors and researchers, and welcomes more than 65,000 students. For more information: www.umontreal.ca.

SOURCE: Hydro-Québec

Marc-Antoine Pouliot, Hydro-Québec, 514 289-3173, [email protected]; Mathieu Filion, Université de Montréal, 514 343-7704, [email protected]; Sharon Su, Aleees, [phone] ext. 82200, [email protected]