Norwegian advanced battery materials company Vianode has unveiled plans to construct a large-scale, low-emission synthetic graphite anode production facility in Ontario, Canada, marking a major milestone for North America’s emerging critical minerals ecosystem.
The new facility will form part of Canada’s leadership in the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance, supporting the diversification of global graphite supply and enhancing the continent’s self-reliance in key raw materials used across energy storage, defence, and high-tech industries.
Multi-Billion-Dollar Investment for North American Supply Security
Vianode’s Ontario plant will be developed through a phased, multi-billion-dollar investment program, beginning with an initial commitment of over CAD 2 billion.
Once completed, the facility is expected to reach an annual capacity of up to 150,000 tons, supplying high-performance synthetic graphite for lithium-ion batteries and other strategic sectors.
The project is designed to reduce North America’s dependence on Chinese graphite, which currently dominates global supply for both electric vehicle (EV) and defence applications.
According to Vianode CEO Burkhard Straube, “This scalable project aligns with shifting trade policies and supports our ambition to become a trusted G7 supplier of high-performance anode graphite solutions. A domestic Canadian facility will significantly strengthen regional supply resilience.”
Government Backing and Strategic Alignment
The announcement has been met with strong governmental support in Canada.
Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, emphasized that the initiative reflects Canada’s commitment to advancing critical minerals development aligned with both national and international priorities.
“Through the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, we are mobilizing investment and forging partnerships to accelerate the creation of secure, resilient, and sustainable supply chains,” Hodgson stated.
“These minerals will drive the clean energy transition, strengthen our defence sector, and position Canada as a trusted ally in global manufacturing.”
Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister, added that Vianode’s decision reinforces Canada’s growing role as a reliable global partner for responsible resource development and clean technology innovation.
Strategic Location and Long-Term Vision
Vianode selected Ontario following a comprehensive review and front-end engineering design (FEED) study.
The province offers world-class infrastructure, a low-carbon electricity grid, and proximity to major manufacturing hubs.
Construction activities, including ground preparation, are already under way, with production targeted for 2028.
The project is expected to create 300 highly skilled jobs during its first phase and up to 1,000 positions at full capacity, further contributing to regional economic development.
From Norway to North America
Vianode brings extensive experience from its facilities in Norway, where it has produced synthetic anode graphite since 2021.
In 2024, the company launched Via ONE, recognized as the world’s most sustainable synthetic graphite plant, and introduced next-generation graphite materials incorporating recycled feedstocks.
The Ontario project represents the next phase of this international expansion — establishing a clean, scalable, and strategic graphite supply base in North America to support the global transition toward sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing.