EnergyX and Wildcat will invest $230 million in Texas LFP cathode production, strengthening America’s domestic battery supply chain.
EnergyX and Wildcat Discovery Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Holyvolt Group, have announced a strategic partnership to develop a large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active material manufacturing facility in Hooks, Texas. The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening the United States’ domestic battery supply chain and reducing dependence on imported battery materials, particularly from China.
The proposed project represents an investment exceeding $230 million and is expected to become one of the first substantial domestic producers of LFP cathode active materials in the country. According to EnergyX, potential funding support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) would help accelerate the project’s construction, commissioning, and operational scale-up, enabling faster deployment of critical battery manufacturing capabilities within the United States.
The planned facility will be strategically located adjacent to EnergyX’s Project Lonestar lithium plant, which commenced operations earlier this year, and near the Red River Army Depot. This location provides direct access to essential infrastructure and places the project within an emerging hub for battery materials production. EnergyX also holds approximately 50,000 acres of lithium mining rights beneath the co-located facilities. These resources are situated within the Smackover Formation, a lithium-rich brine deposit extending from Florida through Texas, offering a reliable domestic source of lithium feedstock.
Through the joint venture, EnergyX and Wildcat aim to establish a robust domestic manufacturing platform for LFP cathode materials. These materials are a critical component in rechargeable batteries used across a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage systems, military equipment, drones, and other advanced technologies. As demand for battery-powered solutions continues to grow, ensuring a secure domestic supply of cathode materials has become a strategic priority for the United States.
The first phase of the project is designed to produce approximately 15,000 metric tonnes of LFP cathode active material annually, with future expansion opportunities already incorporated into the development plan. The facility will be constructed on a 330-acre site at the TexAmericas Center, a major industrial complex offering rail connectivity, established utility infrastructure, competitive energy resources, and close proximity to defense-related and battery supply-chain assets.
Currently, the majority of global LFP cathode production is concentrated in China, creating supply chain vulnerabilities for U.S. industries that rely on advanced battery technologies. By establishing domestic production capabilities, the project seeks to improve supply security and enhance the competitiveness of American battery manufacturing.
Beyond its industrial significance, the project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for Northeast Texas. Developers estimate the creation of around 150 permanent positions once operations begin, while construction activities and related economic development could support between 800 and 1,200 indirect and temporary jobs.
A key advantage of the partnership is EnergyX’s ability to provide lithium carbonate from its domestic operations. The company plans to supply the majority of the raw material under commercially favorable arrangements, including discounted pricing mechanisms and predetermined price ceilings and floors. These measures are intended to reduce exposure to fluctuations in global lithium prices and provide greater cost certainty for cathode production.
Both companies have already demonstrated their technological capabilities through pilot-scale production efforts. Wildcat has successfully produced LFP cathode materials at its San Diego facilities, while EnergyX has validated lithium carbonate production in Texas. Samples from both operations have been provided to potential customers in energy storage, mobility, and defense sectors.
Wildcat also plans to expand its cathode technology portfolio beyond current LFP materials. Its development roadmap includes higher-energy-density LFP formulations and future cobalt-free and nickel-free cathode chemistries, opening the door to additional growth opportunities and next-generation battery technologies.
Wildcat CEO Mark Gresser emphasized the importance of increasing domestic cathode production, noting that LFP materials are essential for the future of energy storage, electrified defense systems, and affordable electric transportation. He stated that combining Wildcat’s advanced cathode technology platform with EnergyX’s domestic lithium resources creates a powerful foundation for strengthening America’s battery supply chain.
EnergyX CEO Teague Egan described the project as a cornerstone of the company’s broader vision to establish a comprehensive “Battery Mecca” in Texas. According to Egan, cathode manufacturing represents the next phase of development, with future plans potentially including lithium metal anode production and high-energy-density battery cell manufacturing. By integrating domestic lithium extraction with cathode production, EnergyX aims to help position Texas as a leading center for next-generation battery materials and create a fully integrated U.S.-based battery supply chain.
