The three companies state in one press release that through a partnership they intend to accelerate the growth of Vianode, a manufacturer of sustainable battery materials.
The partners plan to make an investment decision for a potential first-phase facility at Herøya in Porsgrunn during the first half of 2022.
This plant is expected to have about 100 employees and produce graphite for more than 20,000 electric cars per year.
1 million electric cars
If the plan for a full-scale plant sees the light of day, this could produce graphite for more than 1 million electric cars per year. The number of employees in Vianode is then expected to increase to around 300, which enables over 1,000 green jobs including external ripple effects, according to the companies.
– I would like to congratulate the parties on a very exciting industrial collaboration! The government has big ambitions for a green industrial boost where batteries are one of six focus areas, says Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre (Labor).
He emphasizes the purpose of creating new, green jobs, increasing mainland investment, increasing exports outside oil and gas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
– These are the kind of projects and collaborations we want more of when we now go through the biggest restructuring in the Norwegian economy ever, he continues.
The green shift
The investments for the first-phase plant and the preparations for a possible full-scale plant are estimated at NOK 2 billion. However, much depends on clarifications about significant framework conditions such as public support schemes and long-term access to competitive renewable energy and grid infrastructure.
– The market for battery materials is growing at an exponential pace, and the development of sustainable value chains will be absolutely crucial for the green shift. Vianode aims to become a leading producer of sustainable battery materials, says Elkem’s CEO Helge Aasen.
Hydro points out, among other things, that the company has experience as a supplier to the automotive industry for several decades.
– Vianode fits in well with our strategic direction of growing in renewable energy and new energy solutions, says Hydro’s CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim.
Green electric car supply chain
Vianode is perfectly positioned to shape the automotive industry of the future and become an important contributor to the green shift and a carbon-neutral future, says Altor CEO Tom Jovik.
– We have experience from partnerships in other projects related to the green shift where entire industries are transformed. With Vianode, we believe it is possible to build a completely new green electric car supply chain in Europe, says Jovik.
In order for the collaboration to become a reality, a green light is required from both the parties and the competition authorities.
After the transaction, Hydro and Altor will each have a 30 per cent shareholding in Vianode, while Elkem will retain the remaining 40 per cent.
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