Vianode Opens R&D Center for Sustainable Battery Materials in Norway

Vianode, owned by Elkem, Hydro and Altor, produces advanced battery materials with a greener footprint.

The opening of VTC in Kristiansand entails that Vianode will expand its R&D efforts, including a new office, laboratory and 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 electrochemistry testing and an application laboratory focused on the use of Vianode's materials in battery manufacturing are installed. Today, the VTC has 16 employees from 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 percent lower emissions than today's standard anode graphite materials, with unique characteristics enabling faster charging, increased range and better recyclability. Still, it is essential to keep a dedicated focus on continuous improvement and next-generation battery materials going forward. VTC is established next to Vianode's industrial pilot, only a short drive away from our planned first phase plant at Herøya. This will ensure that industrialisation and R&D go hand in hand," says, Stian Madshus, general manager and VP in Vianode.

"Our previous R&D facility was funded by the national catapult arrangement Future Materials and was an excellent starting point for Vianode as we got going, but now that we are a larger company a dedicated facility is needed. The opening of the VTC will be a major boost for the organisation and our work," says Bridget Deveney, R&D Director in Vianode.