- UP Catalyst plans to produce 20,000 tonnes of sustainable graphite annually by 2031.
- The project aims to reduce Europe's reliance on imported graphite supplies.
UP Catalyst announced on June 10 its plan to establish a facility in Finland that will convert captured CO₂ emissions into battery-grade graphite and carbon nanotubes. The company signed a letter of intent with Oulun Energia for the utilisation of captured emissions from one of the energy company's facilities in Oulu. The project represents a significant step toward developing sustainable raw materials for battery applications while supporting regional industrial decarbonisation efforts.
The planned facility is expected to become operational by 2031 and will have an annual production capacity of approximately 20,000 tonnes of sustainable battery-grade graphite and carbon nanotubes. UP Catalyst employs CO₂ molten salt electrolysis technology to transform captured carbon dioxide into high-value carbon materials. This approach offers a pathway for converting industrial emissions into strategic resources required for advanced energy storage and electrification applications.
The project is expected to strengthen local and regional supply chains across Europe by increasing access to critical materials used in batteries and other strategic industries. Graphite remains an essential material for sectors such as defence, e-mobility, and the broader green transition. Expanding domestic production capabilities could help reduce Europe's dependence on imported graphite while improving supply security for manufacturers and technology developers.
The collaboration between industry participants highlights the growing interest in carbon utilisation technologies that simultaneously address emissions reduction and material shortages. By transforming captured CO₂ into battery-grade materials, the initiative demonstrates how industrial innovation can contribute to circular economy objectives and support the long-term transition toward sustainable mobility and energy systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the new Finland facility produce?
The planned facility will manufacture battery-grade graphite and carbon nanotubes using captured CO₂ emissions as feedstock. Scheduled to become operational by 2031, it is expected to produce around 20,000 tonnes annually. The project uses CO₂ molten salt electrolysis technology developed by UP Catalyst. These materials are essential for batteries, electrification technologies, and other strategic industries, supporting both sustainability goals and improved regional supply chain resilience across Europe.
Why is this project important for Europe?
The initiative is important because Europe currently relies heavily on imported graphite for key industries. By producing sustainable graphite locally, the project can strengthen supply security for defence, e-mobility, and clean energy sectors. It also supports carbon utilisation by converting captured emissions into valuable materials. This dual benefit of reducing industrial emissions while creating critical resources aligns with Europe's broader green transition and industrial competitiveness objectives.
Click above to visit the official source.