Vianode has officially opened its first full-scale anode graphite production facility, named ‘Via ONE,’ in Herøya, Norway. When fully operational, the plant will have an annual capacity of 2,000 tonnes, sufficient to supply batteries for 30,000 electric vehicles annually. The facility will employ over 100 people.
The plant features “four advanced full-size furnaces designed for the production of synthetic anode graphite,” a critical component in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. This development is a significant step in Vianode’s multi-billion USD investment program to become a leading provider of advanced anode graphite solutions for the automotive industry in North America and Europe. The ‘Via ONE’ facility will also be crucial in technology development and product verification.
Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode, stated, “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.”
Hans Erik Vatne, COO of Vianode, added, “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.”
The facility’s construction was supported by a €30 million grant from the Norwegian government under the Battery IPCEI. Vianode invested approximately two billion Norwegian kroner (around €195 million) to establish the plant. The plans for this facility were initially announced in 2022, shortly after Vianode was launched as a subsidiary of Elkem at the end of 2021.
Source: Cicion
