Vianode builds large-scale clean battery materials plant
The Norwegian producer of advanced battery materials began site preparations for its new synthetic graphite facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.
The site preparation marks the formal start of the project to establish North America’s largest production facility for low-emission synthetic anode graphite, with operations set to begin in 2028. Anode graphite is a critical component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other strategic industries, including energy storage.
Located in the Yarmouth Yards Industrial Park, the St. Thomas site was chosen for the Via TWO facility following an extensive North American site selection process. It is close to key automotive customers and offers access to Ontario’s clean electricity grid, a skilled regional workforce, and strong support from local and provincial authorities. Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the Government of Ontario will provide a loan of up to CAD 670 million (roughly € 412 million) in support of Vianode’s investment.
“Today marks an important step towards a resilient North American battery supply chain. Ontario and the city of St. Thomas have been strong partners from day one, and Via TWO will bring industrial-scale, low-emission graphite to market through a phased build-out that supports customers, communities and the clean-energy transition”, says Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.
Up to three times the EV production
The St. Thomas project is structured as a phased multi-billion-dollar investment, with total planned capacity of up to 150,000 tons annually, supporting delivery of synthetic graphite for around two million EVs per year. With each electric vehicle (EV) battery requiring up to 100 kg of graphite and the facility’s proprietary technology reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional methods, Via TWO will play a vital role in supporting the clean energy transition. The plant is expected to create approximately 300 highly skilled jobs in the first phase, and up to 1,000 at full capacity.
Vianode started Norwegian synthetic graphite production at its Technology Center in Kristiansand in 2021 and commissioned its first full-scale plant Via ONE at Herøya in 2024. The St. Thomas facility is an important part of the company’s goal to supply advanced materials for up to three million EVs annually by 2030.
About Vianode
Vianode is an advanced battery materials company providing sustainable anode graphite solutions for the battery and EV value chains in North America and Europe. The company is currently executing a multi-billion-dollar investment program across North America and Europe. Its main facility Via One is located in Norway, and the company’s long-term ambition is to supply advanced battery materials for 3 million EVs annually by 2030. The company is backed by Altor, a world-leading financial investor.
Caption: “We’re proud to welcome Vianode to St. Thomas as we strengthen our province’s competitive advantage in a critical industry and build the most competitive, resilient, self-reliant economy in the G7”, says Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford (fifth from left) (image: Vianode).
Source: Vianode
www.vianode.com