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Norsk Hydro: Vianode invests NOK 2 billion in battery materials plant in Norway

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Vianode, jointly owned by Elkem, Hydro, and Altor, announces a NOK 2 billion investment in its first industrial plant for sustainable battery materials in Herøya, Norway. This facility will produce anode graphite for approximately 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) annually by 2024 and aims to address Europe's impending graphite material shortage by 2030. Vianode's eco-friendly materials will slash CO2 emissions by up to 90%, enhancing battery performance. The company plans to recruit around 100 new employees by the end of 2023, potentially increasing to 300 by 2026.

Positive
  • Investment of NOK 2 billion to build an industrial plant for battery materials.
  • Production capacity for anode graphite aimed at 20,000 EVs annually by 2024.
  • Potential expansion to supply battery materials for 2 million EVs by 2030.
  • Graphite materials produced with up to 90% lower CO2 emissions.
  • Plans to hire approximately 100 new employees by the end of 2023.
Negative
  • None.

Vianode, a company owned by Elkem, Hydro and Altor, has decided to invest in its first industrial scale plant for sustainable battery materials at Herøya in Norway.

The investment of around NOK 2 billion will create new industrial jobs and provide critical battery materials. The decision is an important step towards establishing a complete battery value chain in Norway for the European market.

The industrial plant at Herøya, Norway, will produce anode graphite for about 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) per year by 2024. The investment is the first phase in a larger investment plan. The plant construction will be carried out in parallel with preparations for a second phase plant scaled to provide battery materials to 2 million EVs per year by 2030, covering a significant share of the global EV market.

“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,” says Asbjørn Søvik, Vianode’s interim CEO and executive chair of the board.

The graphite materials from Vianode are produced with up to 90 percent lower CO2 emissions than today’s standard materials. The materials have unique performance characteristics and improve the properties in batteries, including faster charging, increased range and longer service life, as well as increased safety and recyclability.

“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,” says Stian Madshus, general manager for Vianode.

Today, an EV contains on average up to 70 kg of graphite materials, representing a vital component of the battery. Vianode’s products are developed based on specialized know how in high temperature processes, closed production systems, lower energy consumption and access to renewable energy. This makes Vianode an important contributor to the European supply of critical materials needed for the energy transition.

Vianode has operated an industrial pilot in Kristiansand, Norway since April 2021, and has ambitions to establish industrial leadership in advanced battery materials in Europe and for the global market.

Founded in 2021, Vianode has around 60 employees currently. Today’s investment decision means that the company will be recruiting approximately 100 new hires, bringing the total to around 160 by the end of 2023. With a potential investment decision for a second phase plant, this can double to 300 employees by the end of 2026. Including ripple effects, this means around 1000 jobs in total.


Investor contact:
Line Haugetraa
+47 41406376
Line.Haugetraa@hydro.com 

Media contact:
Halvor Molland 
+47 92979797 
Halvor.Molland@hydro.com


FAQ

What is Vianode's recent investment announcement for NHYDY?

Vianode announced a NOK 2 billion investment to build its first industrial plant for sustainable battery materials in Herøya, Norway.

How many electric vehicles will Vianode's plant supply by 2024?

The plant is set to produce anode graphite for approximately 20,000 electric vehicles per year by 2024.

What are the long-term goals for Vianode's production capacity?

Vianode aims to expand its production to supply battery materials for 2 million electric vehicles by 2030.

What is the environmental impact of Vianode's production?

Vianode's graphite materials are produced with up to 90% lower CO2 emissions compared to standard materials.

How many jobs will Vianode create with its new investment?

The investment will initially create around 100 new jobs, potentially increasing to 300 by 2026.

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