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90% CO₂ reductions with Vianode's synthetic anode graphite

Setting a new sustainability industry standard for anode graphite materials with our Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results

 

Setting a new industry standard

The results of our LCA show that one kilogram of our anode material has a climate change impact of 1.9 kilogram CO₂ equivalents. CO₂ equivalents refer to a standardised measure used to express the global warming potential of various greenhouse gases in terms of carbon dioxide. This represents a potential CO₂ emission reduction of more than 90% compared to conventional production according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence data, the latest LCA results, and internal company analysis.

For the LCA of our anode graphite material, we did a cradle-to-gate environmental footprint analysis. The analysis was initiated at the point of raw material extraction and concluded with the delivery of the finished product at the Vianode facility. The functional unit used is one kilogram of anode-grade graphite to determine the corresponding CO₂ equivalents. Vianode takes sustainability seriously, which is why we have teamed up with science-driven consultancy Minviro for the LCA and carried out the analysis in accordance with ISO-14040 and ISO-14044 standards to ensure that our results are reliable.

We have conducted our analysis as transparent as possible. Our LCA is modelled on our industrial-scale pilot which replicates our planned large-scale facility. Of our Scope 3 emissions, 67% is supplier-specific LCA data and the methodology is verified by DNV.

 

Vianode’s synthetic anode graphite production offers a very low CO₂
footprint and the potential to contribute to significant emission
reductions within the battery and EV value chain without
compromising on product quality
- Lydia Bridges, senior sustainability consultant and graphite specialist, Minviro

 

We proudly claim that we offer the most efficient solution for reducing the CO₂ footprint of batteries and EVs. But we are not satisfied yet: We want to continue to reduce the emissions of our product and based on the results of the LCA we are working on a strategy to decrease to 1.0 kg per kg graphite by 2030.

Our LCA results are even more impressive when put into context

We plan to produce around 200,000 tons of anode graphite for 3 million EVs in 2030, which means avoiding a significant amount of emissions per year with our proprietary technology.

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1.8 million tons avoided CO₂ emissions per year compared to IRA compliant competitors

⇒ Equals the CO₂ emissions of the city of Copenhagen

2.9 million tons avoided CO₂ emissions per year compared to global average competitors. 

⇒ Equals the CO₂ emissions of the Fiji Islands

3.5 million tons avoided CO₂ emissions per year compared to production in inner mongolia.

⇒ Equals the CO₂ emissions of average Olympic Summer Games

What is an LCA?

A LCA is a systematic and comprehensive method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product or process throughout its entire life cycle.

Three different approaches are often utilized to evaluate the environmental impact of products: “gate-to-gate”, "cradle-to-gate" and "cradle-to-grave."

  • Gate-to-gate: Evaluating the environmental footprint of a product from a specific point in its production chain. This method allows for a detailed analysis of the energy and materials used, wastes released, and overall environmental impacts associated with a particular stage of production.
  • Cradle-to-gate: Assessing environmental footprint from the point of raw material extraction or acquisition through the manufacturing process until it reaches the factory gates. This approach provides valuable insights into the production phase, including resource consumption, emissions, and waste generation.
  • Cradle-to-grave: Considers the entire lifecycle of a product, from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling.

 

Who is Minviro?

Since 2019, Minviro has been a leading Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) consultancy, software provider, research, and data provider who specialise in battery anode graphite, among other essential battery raw materials. With over 200 successful projects, their expertise spans from conducting life cycle environmental assessments of mining projects to collaborating with leading electric vehicle companies, including notable work for Tesla. They have performed LCA or LCA-related studies for numerous clients in the anode space including Novonix, Leyden Jar, Nouveau Monde Graphite, and Talga Group, and their work on graphite has been featured in prestigious publications such as Mining Magazine and Wired in 2022, highlighting their unmatched expertise in environmental impact assessments for the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Minviro’s global presence across London, Perth, and Shanghai facilitates support for businesses aiming for sustainable advancements. Their commitment to science-driven solutions and industry leadership is further evidenced by their 2021 white paper on graphite production and contributions to developing graphite's product category rules in 2023.