Summary
- Vianode received a letter of interest from Euler Hermes for a $300 million loan guarantee for a synthetic graphite plant development
- The North American facility will have an initial capacity of 70,000 tons of synthetic graphite and start production in the second half of 2027
- Vianode has a long-term supply agreement with General Motors for anode graphite for EV batteries through 2033
- Vianode currently produces graphite anode material at two plants in Norway
- The company is in discussions with various stakeholders to secure project financing for the facility to provide local supply of anode graphite
Article
Vianode, a Norwegian battery materials company, has received a letter of interest from Euler Hermes, the German export credit agency, indicating eligibility for a loan guarantee of up to $300 million for the development of a large-scale synthetic graphite plant in North America. The facility is planned to have an initial annual capacity of 70,000 tons of synthetic graphite and is expected to start production in the second half of 2027. The loan would be used to finance the procurement of production equipment for the plant, with the company finalizing the selection of a site near the US-Canadian automotive cluster.
Additionally, Vianode has recently secured a multi-billion-dollar long-term supply agreement with General Motors for EV battery-grade anode graphite through 2033. The company currently produces graphite anode material at Via ONE, its full-scale production plant in Heroya, Norway, which began production in 2024, as well as at an industrial pilot plant in Kristiansand, Norway, opened in 2021. This development highlights Vianode’s commitment to expanding its production capacity to support the growing demand for battery materials in the EV industry.
By receiving endorsement from Euler Hermes, Vianode is advancing discussions with export credit agencies, commercial banks, and stakeholders within the battery and EV value chain to secure robust project financing for its new facility. The plant is expected to provide local supply of anode graphite, a critical battery material that is currently predominantly manufactured at scale in Asia. Howard Ormonroyd, the CFO of Vianode, emphasized the importance of establishing local production capabilities for anode graphite to support the transition towards sustainable energy solutions and reduce the dependency on imported materials.
The collaboration between Vianode and General Motors highlights the strategic partnerships being formed within the EV industry to secure a stable supply chain for key battery materials. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, ensuring a local and sustainable source of anode graphite becomes essential for the long-term growth and success of companies operating in the EV sector. Vianode’s focus on expanding its production capacity and securing long-term supply agreements demonstrates its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the market and contributing to the global shift towards electrification.
With the upcoming development of a large-scale synthetic graphite plant in North America, Vianode is poised to play a key role in reshaping the supply chain dynamics of the battery materials market. By increasing local production capacity for anode graphite, the company aims to reduce reliance on imports from Asia and contribute to the establishment of a more sustainable and resilient battery ecosystem. The financial support from Euler Hermes further validates the viability and strategic importance of Vianode’s expansion plans, positioning the company as a leading player in the production of critical materials for the rapidly growing EV industry.
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