This session will deep dive into the most acute structural gap in the U.S. ESS supply chain: midstream cathode and precursor capacity. What must be built, who will build it, and how investment, incentives, and partnerships can close the gap. Topics will include:

• How midstream differs from cell/pack manufacturing
• Understanding the CAM/AAM qualification crisis
• Driving Policy + national labs collaboration
• Required investment scale for ESS vs EVs
• FDI partnership models with Korea/Japan
• Policy implications and requirements for midstream specifically
• Overcoming technical and chemical capacity constraints
• Midstream project risk
• How midstream capability can determine ESS pricing and feasibility