Vianode, JR Energy Solution sign graphite offtake LOI

Vianode announced Tuesday it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with South Korea’s JR Energy Solution for the supply of synthetic anode graphite used in batteries powering electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

The LOI sets the intention to explore a future offtake agreement for synthetic anode graphite produced by Vianode, beginning with supply from its Via ONE facility in Norway, and later transitioning to Via TWO, its planned large-scale site in Ontario, Canada.

The companies will collaborate on product validation, qualification pathways and supply chain integration, with the aim of leveraging Vianode’s low-emission synthetic graphite technology to address rising global demand for high-quality battery materials.

More than 95% of the synthetic graphite used in lithium-ion battery cells is currently manufactured in China, leaving global markets heavily dependent on these imports.

The agreement, says Vianode, represents a significant milestone for the company in establishing a foothold in Asia’s battery market, as it reflects growing demand among leading battery manufacturers for high-performance anode materials sourced from outside China.

By entering the South Korean battery ecosystem, it would strengthen its position as a global supplier of sustainable graphite solutions, supporting customers seeking both supply security and reduced carbon footprints in high-performance lithium-ion batteries, the Norwegian company said.

“South Korea represents a critical hub in the global battery value chain, and this agreement is an important milestone in our ambition to become a leading supplier of advanced anode materials worldwide,” Vianode’s director of business development Glen Kozeli said in a news release.

“We are seeing clear demand for high-quality, non-Chinese graphite solutions, and this collaboration positions us to support our partners with reliable, low-emission materials as the industry continues to scale.”