Vis børsmeldingen
intention to accelerate the growth of Vianode, a producer of sustainable battery
materials. An investment decision for a potential first-phase plant at Herøya,
Norway, is expected in the first half of 2022.
Vianode has developed a range of synthetic graphite products for batteries with
unique performance characteristics and produced with significantly lower CO2
emissions than today’s standard materials - supporting the ambitions of leading
battery cell and automotive manufacturers. Today, an electric vehicle (EV)
contains on average 40-70 kg of graphite, representing a vital component of the
battery. Vianode’s products are developed based on specialized know-how in high
-temperature processes, closed production systems, lower energy consumption and
access to renewable energy.
Founded in 2021, Vianode currently has around 50 employees. The company builds
on Elkem’s experience in advanced material solutions, its in-house research and
development resources, as well as the strong performance of Vianode’s industrial
pilot plant in Kristiansand, Norway. After this transaction, Hydro and Altor
will each have 30% ownership in Vianode, while Elkem will retain the remaining
40% ownership.
“I would like to congratulate the parties on a very exciting industrial
collaboration! The Norwegian Government has great ambitions for a green
industrial boost where batteries are one of six focus areas. The purpose is to
create new, green jobs, increase mainland investment, increase exports outside
oil and gas and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These are the kind of projects
and partnerships we want more of when we now will go through the biggest
restructuring of the Norwegian economy ever,” says Norwegian Minister of Trade
and Industry, Jan Christian Vestre.
An investment decision for a potential first-phase plant for Vianode is expected
during the first half of 2022. This plant will have approximately 100 employees
and produce graphite for more than 20,000 EVs per year. A potential full-scale
plant will produce graphite for more than 1 million EVs per year and is expected
to increase the number of employees in Vianode to around 300, enabling more than
1,000 green jobs including external effects.
The total investments in the first-phase plant and preparations for a potential
full-scale plant are estimated at around NOK 2 billion. The plant development is
pending clarifications related to framework conditions, including public support
mechanisms and long-term access to competitive renewable energy and grid
infrastructure.
“The market for battery materials is growing at an exponential rate and
developing sustainable value chains is critical for the green transformation.
Vianode aims to become a leading producer of sustainable battery materials, and
this represents an attractive growth opportunity for Elkem. Hydro and Altor both
add significant experience and expertise in developing large-scale industrial
projects in the battery value chain. Through complementary skillsets, the
partnership with Hydro and Altor will contribute to making Vianode a highly
valuable contribution to the European battery value chain,” says Elkem CEO,
Helge Aasen.
“We are excited to partner up with Elkem and Altor to industrialize Vianode. We
look forward to utilizing our industry scaling capabilities including project
execution for large industrial projects, our material and process competence and
experience as well as our track record from serving the car OEM segments for
decades. Vianode is a good fit for our strategic direction of growing in
renewable energy and new-energy solutions,” says Hilde Merete Aasheim, Hydro
President & CEO.
“We are thrilled to partner with Elkem and Hydro on this very exciting
opportunity. Vianode is perfectly positioned to shape the future of the
automotive industry and will be an important contributor to the green transition
and a carbon neutral future. We have experience from partnerships in other green
transition projects where entire industries are being reshaped, and with Vianode
we will build a new green EV supply chain in Europe. We are very impressed by
the work Elkem has done with Vianode, and we think it will be a very exciting
partnership with both Elkem and Hydro,” says Tom Jovik, Principal at Altor.
The transaction is subject to formal approval by all parties and regulatory
approvals, including competition authorities.
Press meeting
Elkem CEO Helge Aasen, Hydro CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim and Altor principal Tom
Jovik will together present the partnership and be available for questions in a
press meeting today at 10:00-10:45 at Vækerø Hovedgård (Drammensveien 256, 0277
Oslo, Norway). Please sign up in advance via Maria Melfald Tveten
(Maria.Tveten@hydro.com).
For further information, please contact:
Odd-Geir Lyngstad
VP Finance & Investor Relations
Tel: +47 976 72 806
Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com
Fredrik Norman
VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Tel: +47 918 66 567
E-mail: fredrik.norman@elkem.com
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU
Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant
to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
This stock exchange announcement was published by Odd-Geir Lyngstad, VP Finance
& Investor Relations at Elkem ASA, on 6 April 2022 at 7.00 CEST.
About Vianode
Vianode, founded in 2021, is a producer of sustainable battery materials. The
company is built upon technological advancements and experience developed over
several years. Vianode’s range of synthetic graphite products offers unique
performance characteristics and are produced with significantly lower CO2
emissions than today’s standard materials - supporting the ambitions of leading
battery cell and automotive manufacturers. An investment decision for a
potential first-phase battery materials plant at Herøya, Norway, is expected in
the first half of 2022. Vianode is backed by Elkem (40%), Hydro (30%) and Altor
(30%). www.vianode.com
About Elkem
Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced material solutions
shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones,
silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials,
renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and
improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications,
health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a
strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,000 people has a
joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2021, Elkem
obtained a Platinum score from EcoVadis, which rated the company among the
world’s top 1% on sustainability transparency, and the company achieved an
operating income of NOK 33.7 billion. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange
(ticker: ELK). www.elkem.com
About Hydro
Hydro is a leading industrial company that builds businesses and partnerships
for a more sustainable future. We develop industries that matter to people and
society. Since 1905, Hydro has turned natural resources into valuable products
for people and businesses, creating a safe and secure workplace for our 31,000
employees in more than 140 locations and 40 countries. Today, we own and operate
various businesses and have investments with a base in sustainable industries.
Hydro is through its businesses present in a broad range of market segments for
aluminium, energy, metal recycling, renewables and batteries, offering a unique
wealth of knowledge and competence. Hydro is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange
(ticker: NHY). www.hydro.com
About Altor
Since its inception, the family of Altor funds has raised some EUR 8.3 billion
in total commitments. The funds have invested in excess of EUR 5 billion in more
than 75 companies. The investments have been made in medium-sized predominantly
Nordic companies with the aim to create value through growth initiatives and
operational improvements. Among current and past investments are H2 Green Steel,
OX2 and Helly Hansen. For more information visit www.altor.com
Kilde