Vianode targets Asian battery market with JR Energy Solution deal

Vianode has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with South Korean battery component manufacturer JR Energy Solution to explore future supplies of synthetic anode graphite for electric vehicle and energy storage batteries.

The agreement covers potential deliveries from Vianode’s Via ONE plant in Norway, with future supply expected to transition to the company’s planned Via TWO facility in Ontario, Canada.

As part of the cooperation, both companies will work on product validation, qualification processes and supply chain integration. The focus is on high-performance synthetic graphite materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

The move marks an important step for Vianode in expanding its presence in Asia’s battery market at a time when manufacturers are increasingly seeking alternatives to Chinese graphite supply.

“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,” said Glen Kozeli, Director Sales & Business Development at Vianode. He added that demand for “high-quality, non-Chinese graphite solutions” continues to grow as battery producers diversify supply chains.

More than 95% of synthetic graphite currently used in lithium-ion batteries is produced in China. Vianode aims to strengthen regional supply chains through production capacity in Norway and Canada while offering synthetic graphite with significantly lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional production routes.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Vianode to evaluate high-performance synthetic graphite materials that support our customers’ next-generation battery technologies,” said Duke Oh, CEO of JR Energy Solution.

Source and Photo: Vianode