In the Meishan New Energy and New Materials Integration Innovation Center (referred to as the "Innovation Center"), staff are conducting final equipment installation and debugging for a brand-new production line. "This is the world's first large-scale demonstration line capable of producing 200 tons of lithium sulfide annually. By the end of this month, we will begin trial production, with the first batch of products set for mass production," said Ye Rui, Chief Engineer of Sichuan Pilot Technology Achievement Transformation Service Co., Ltd.
Lithium sulfide, a key precursor for sulfide solid-state battery electrolytes, directly impacts battery energy density, safety, and cycle life. Previously, lithium sulfide was only produced in small laboratory batches, making it expensive and supply-constrained, hindering the industrialization of sulfide solid-state batteries.
A breakthrough came in 2024 when the Innovation Center's R&D team achieved stable small-batch production. After receiving positive market feedback, the center launched the world's first 200-ton lithium sulfide industrial-scale project.
"The essence of pilot testing is engineering validation," Ye explained. Scaling up from lab-scale grams to 200-ton production involves overcoming challenges in purity control, process optimization, and safety upgrades. The new model of "market early engagement" has transformed the industrialization path—products are developed with market demand in mind, ensuring rapid adoption upon mass production.
With high-purity lithium sulfide priced at 2–3 million yuan per ton, the 200-ton line is projected to generate annual revenue of 500 million yuan.
Beyond lithium sulfide, the Innovation Center has attracted 22 pilot projects across advanced energy storage, polymer materials, and green chemistry since its launch last September.
In Building 6, Chengdu Silicon Carbon Lithium New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. is finalizing equipment for its high-performance metallic lithium pilot project, a critical anode material for next-gen batteries. "The center’s full-spectrum support—from safety assessments to financing—allows us to focus purely on R&D," said General Manager Zhao Fanghui.
The center also fosters talent through its "Second Industrial University" model, blending academic research with industrial application. Sun Kexuan, an operations specialist, transitioned from Sichuan University to the Innovation Center, where she bridges R&D and commercialization as a "technology broker."
This model cultivates "scientist-industrialists" and "engineer-innovators," accelerating both project outcomes and talent development. Currently, the center hosts over 240 experts, including academicians and engineers, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where projects attract talent and vice versa.
"Top talent now seeks us out," Ye noted, highlighting Meishan’s shift from an industrial hinterland to an innovation hub.
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