Elkem, Hydro, and Altor-owned firm Vianode, the producer of sustainable engineered battery materials, has decided to invest NOK 2 billion in its first industrial-scale facility for sustainable battery materials in Herøya, Norway. By 2024, the industrial facility in Herøya will generate enough anode graphite for 20,000 electric cars (EVs) annually.
The choice is a crucial one in the process of creating a whole battery value chain in Norway for the European market. This initiative will also create new employment opportunities. Construction of the facility will proceed concurrently with plans for a second phase plant that will be scaled to provide battery materials to 2 million EVs annually by 2030, accounting for a sizeable portion of the worldwide EV market.
“The global demand for batteries is growing rapidly, driven by the green transition, but there is not sufficient ramp-up of battery materials production. Europe is facing a significant shortfall of graphite materials towards 2030, which Vianode aims to address with our high performance offerings. Automakers and authorities are also increasingly focused on a sustainable value chain, where Vianode has a unique offering with our low CO2 footprint,” said Stian Madshus, general manager for Vianode.
Vianode was established in 2021 and, at this time, employs about 60 people. The firm will hire about 100 additional employees due to today's investment choice, increasing the total to about 160 by the end of 2023. By the end of 2026, this number might increase to 300 thanks to a future investment decision for a second-phase factory. This implies a total employment impact of about 1000 jobs.
“The investment decision marks a historic step for Vianode and its owners, and is a recognition of the work put in by both our employees and partners. Based on strong support from owners Elkem, Hydro and Altor, Vianode now has a solid foundation to succeed with building industrial leadership in advanced battery materials with a green footprint,” said Asbjørn Søvik, interim CEO and executive chair of the board at Vianode.
To develop industrial leadership in advanced battery materials in Europe and the worldwide market, Vianode has been operating an industrial pilot in Kristiansand, Norway, since April 2021. Vianode's graphite materials emit up to 90 per cent less CO2 than today's standard materials. The materials improve battery qualities such as quicker charging, greater range, longer service life, better safety, and more recyclability. They also offer distinct performance characteristics.
Today, a typical electric vehicle (EV) comprises up to 70 kg of graphite materials, an essential part of the battery. The development of Vianode's products is based on specialist expertise in high-temperature processes, closed production systems, reduced energy use, and availability of renewable energy sources. Due to this, Vianode is a significant supplier of essential materials for the energy transition in Europe.
Responses
