Vianode, a leading company in advanced battery materials, has inaugurated its first full-scale Via ONE anode graphite production facility in Herøya, Norway. This significant development marks a key advancement in establishing a European value chain for batteries and electric vehicles (EVs). Equipped with four state-of-the-art furnaces, the plant is designed to produce synthetic anode graphite, a vital component of lithium-ion batteries. Once fully operational, the facility will boast an impressive annual capacity of 2,000 tons, enough to supply an estimated 30,000 electric vehicles each year. Additionally, the plant is expected to create over 100 jobs, contributing directly to the transition toward green mobility.

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. We aim to enable a decarbonized battery and EV industry by developing more sustainable anode graphite that enhances battery and EV performance. This includes faster charging, extended range, and longer service life. Furthermore, it represents a significant step toward bolstering European production of essential materials for electrification.”

The Herøya plant is a key component of Vianode's multi-billion-dollar investment initiative to establish itself as a leading provider of advanced anode graphite solutions for the automotive industry in North America and Europe. The Via ONE facility will be instrumental in driving technology development and verification, essential for securing customer qualification.

Hans Erik Vatne, COO of Vianode, emphasized the importance of the facility, stating, “This is one of the largest, most sustainable, and modern plants for producing sustainable anode graphite solutions for batteries in Europe. It represents a significant expansion of our production capacity, and we are poised to set new industry standards for low emissions and high performance, backed by world-leading sustainability metrics.”

Anode graphite makes up the largest share of a lithium-ion battery by weight, playing a critical role in both battery performance and reducing emissions. Vianode’s synthetic anode graphite production generates a 90% lower CO2 footprint compared to traditional production methods. Unlike natural graphite, which is sourced from carbon-rich rock formations, synthetic graphite is created through high-temperature manufacturing processes.

Since 2021, Vianode has been producing anode graphite solutions at its industrial pilot facility in Kristiansand, Norway. In 2022, the company enhanced its capabilitie