Panasonic's (TYO:6752) unit Panasonic Energy launched Energy Innovation Square, a new lithium-ion battery research and development facility in Kadoma, Osaka.

The facility will serve as a global hub for battery development and production, covering material development, cell design, and prototyping, according to a statement on Wednesday.

Working with the Suminoe Production Development Facility in Osaka City, it will speed development and mass production of next-generation batteries for automotive and data center use.

Energy Innovation Square, combined with Suminoe's manufacturing technology focus, will form one of Japan's largest dedicated battery development operations, with roughly 800 workers in total.

Through close collaboration, Panasonic Energy aims to double development efficiency by fiscal 2031 versus fiscal 2024, speeding product development and sharpening its response to growing demand and increasingly diverse customer needs.