Vianode opens graphite production plant in Norway

Vianode has officially opened its first fully-fledged anode graphite production plant 'Via ONE' in Herøya, Norway. When fully operational, the plant will have a capacity of 2,000 tonnes per year, enough for 30,000 electric vehicles annually.

Vianode writes that the plant features “four advanced full-size furnaces designed for the production of synthetic anode graphite,” which is a critical component for the production of lithium-ion batteries. By the time it runs at full capacity, the factory will produce 2,000 tonnes of the material per year, enough to supply about 30,000 electric vehicles annually. The facility will employ over 100 people.

According to company statements, it will play a crucial part in Vianode’s phased multi-billion USD investment program aimed at becoming “a leading provider of advanced anode graphite solutions to the automotive industry in North America and Europe.” The ‘Via ONE’ facility will furthermore also play a major role in the development of technology and verification.

“This opening is a major milestone in Vianode’s strategy for building a low-emission value chain for batteries in Europe and North America. Vianode aims to enable a decarbonized battery and EV industry by creating more sustainable anode graphite that improves the properties of batteries and EVs, including faster charging, increased range, and longer service life. It is also a significant step towards strengthening European production of critical materials for electrification,” explained Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.

“This is one of the largest, most sustainable and modern facilities for producing sustainable anode graphite solutions for batteries in Europe and a significant expansion of Vianode’s production capacity. We are ready to set new industry standards for low emissions and high performance with world-leading sustainability metrics,” added Hans Erik Vatne, COO of Vianode.

The facility was built with support from the Norwegian government, which supplied a grant worth €30 million, under the Battery IPCEI. Vianode invested around two billion Norwegian kroner, or about €195 million to build the factory. Plans for the facility were initially announced in 2022, not long after Vianode was launched as a subsidiary of Elkem at the end of 2021.

cision.com