SK Enmove secures long-term iodine supply from SQM for refrigerants
SK Enmove, a subsidiary of SK Innovation, has signed a strategic partnership with Chile’s Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) to secure a stable supply of iodine, a key raw material used in the production of next-generation refrigerants for electric vehicles (EVs) and other energy-efficient applications. The agreement was formalised during a ceremony in Santiago, Chile and is part of SK Enmove’s broader effort to support the global shift towards low-carbon solutions.
The iodine sourced from SQM will be critical for SK Enmove’s efforts to produce low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, which are increasingly in demand across various industries, especially within the growing EV market. “This partnership with SQM strengthens our supply chain and enables us to meet the rising global demand for energy-efficient refrigerants,” said a representative from SK Enmove.
SK Enmove has been investing in the development of low-GWP refrigerants as part of its broader strategy to align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. These refrigerants are used in cooling systems for electric vehicles, industrial air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
The company aims to be a leader in the production of eco-friendly refrigerants that meet global regulatory standards, such as those set by the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which targets the phase-out of high-GWP substances.
With the rise of electric vehicles, the demand for more efficient refrigerants has grown, as EVs require robust cooling systems to manage battery temperatures and overall vehicle performance. SK Enmove is focusing on developing refrigerants that are both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly for use in EV air conditioning systems.
These refrigerants are expected to play a key role in the next-generation automotive market, where thermal management is crucial for optimising battery life and vehicle performance.
SK Enmove is also exploring synthetic catalyst technologies to further reduce its reliance on traditional iodine-based processes and enhance the environmental sustainability of its refrigerant production.
SQM’s role in the global supply chain
As one of the world’s largest producers of iodine, SQM plays a vital role in global markets, particularly for products that contribute to the energy transition. The company’s long-term agreement with SK Enmove highlights the importance of collaboration between key players to address the needs of emerging industries such as electric mobility and renewable energy.
SQM is set to supply significant quantities of iodine to SK Enmove over the next several years, supporting the latter’s goal to drive innovation in the refrigerant market.
