The Vianode Technology Center (VTC) will develop and supply advanced anode materials making batteries greener.

KRISTIANSAND, Norway, October 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Vianode, owned by Elkem, Hydro and Altor, produces advanced battery materials with a greener footprint. The opening of VTC in Kristiansand means that Vianode will expand its R&D efforts, including a new office, laboratory and the recruitment of more battery materials scientists. This is an important step towards establishing a complete battery value chain in Norway for the European market.

State-of-the-art analytical instruments, equipment for advanced electrochemical tests and an application laboratory focused on the use of Vianode materials in the manufacture of batteries are installed. Today, the VTC has 16 employees of nine nationalities. The plan is to increase the number of VTC employees to 20 by the end of the year and then to 25 by the end of 2025.

“Our materials are produced with up to 90% lower emissions than today’s standard anode graphite materials, with unique characteristics enabling faster charging, longer range and better recyclability. Nevertheless, it is essential to continue to focus on continuous improvement and the next generation battery. VTC is established next to the industrial pilot of Vianode, a short drive from our planned first phase factory in Herøya. This will ensure that the industrialization and R&D go hand in hand,” says Stian Madshus, Managing Director and Vice President of Vianode.

“Our former R&D facility was funded by the National Catapult Arrangement Future Materials and was a great starting point for Vianode as we got started, but now that we are a large company, a dedicated facility is necessary. The opening of the VTC will be a major boost for the organization and our work”, declares Brigitte DevneyR&D Director at Vianode.

Vianode recently announced an investment of NOK 2 billion at a battery materials factory in Herøya, Norwaytargeting graphite anode production for approximately 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) per year by 2024.

This investment is the first phase of a larger investment plan. Construction of the plant will be carried out alongside preparations for a second-phase plant designed to supply battery materials to 2 million electric vehicles per year by 2030, covering a significant share of the global electric vehicle market.

Today, an average electric vehicle contains up to 70 kg of graphite materials, which represent a vital component of the battery. Vianode products are developed on the basis of specialized know-how in high temperature processes, closed production systems, reduction of energy consumption and access to renewable energies.

The VTC was financed by Vianode. Vianode receives funding for on-site R&D activities from the Norwegian Research Council (NRC) and Innovation Norway, as well as research funding from the EU, including the Horizon Europe program.

For more information, please contact:

Odd-Geir Lyngstad
Vice President Finance and Investor Relations
Tel: +47 976 72 806
E-mail: [email protected]

Hans Iver Odenrud
Corporate communication manager
Tel: +47 958 16 230
E-mail: [email protected]

About Vianode

Vianode is based on technological advances and decades of industrial experience, supported by Elkem, Hydro and Altor. Following the success of the pilot production, the company is now moving to full-scale production in Norway. Vianode’s range of graphite anode products offer unique performance characteristics and are produced with up to 90% lower CO2 emissions than today’s standard materials – supporting the ambitions of leading battery cell manufacturers and manufacturers. cars while accelerating the green transition.

www.vianode.com

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SOURCE Meat