Vianode to enable a low-emission battery industry

Vianode, an advanced battery materials company providing sustainable anode graphite solutions, has presented targets for decarbonisation, circularity and safe operations in its inaugural sustainability report. The targets reflect Vianode’s ambition to transform the battery industry and inspire change through responsible, environmentally friendly production of advanced battery materials with ultra-low CO₂ emissions.

Vianode’s first sustainability report has targets that are aligned with the company’s long-term strategy:

• Launch a product with 1 kilogram (kg) of CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e) emissions per kg synthetic anode graphite by 2030
• Offer a product ready for industrial scale containing at least 10% recycled content by 2030
• Be the safest workplace and attract the best talent in the industry
• Be a driving force for battery value chain transparency

“The energy transition encompasses all aspects of life, including mobility and energy generation. However, decarbonisation and electrification are only achievable with efficient energy storage, and electromobility and batteries can only be sustainable if the entire value chain is decarbonised. Vianode’s ambition is to shape our industry by reducing the carbon footprint of synthetic anode graphite and aspiring to achieve net-zero emissions. I take pride in our achievements so far, recognising that our first sustainability report is just the beginning of our journey, not the end,” says Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.

Vianode plans to produce anode graphite solutions with a 90% lower CO₂ footprint than conventional production methods, aiming to supply 3 million electric vehicles (EVs)/year by 2030.

“Enabling the green transition and minimizing adverse impacts of its activities are Vianode’s core contributions to a sustainable future. Earlier this year, we set a new industry standard for low-emission and high-performance anode graphite solutions. Our Life Cycle Assessment results confirm a climate change impact of world-leading 1.9 kg CO₂e per kg of graphite” says Dr. Stefan Bergold, CCO of Vianode.

Anode graphite is the largest component of a lithium-ion battery by weight, typically about 70 kg per EV, and is vital for the transition.

“We aspire to transform the battery industry by inspiring responsibility and transparency throughout the value chain. This report shows how batteries can be made sustainably without compromising product quality. Our approach redefines industry standards and empowers customers to set more ambitious CO₂ reduction targets,” says Andreas Forfang, VP Sustainability and ESG at Vianode.

Vianode has produced anode graphite solutions at its industrial pilot in Kristiansand, Norway since 2021. Vianode’s Technology Center opened in the same city in 2022. The next milestone is the opening of the first full-scale production plant at Herøya, Norway, in the second half of 2024.