Graphite One Secures Ohio Site for Upcoming Battery Material Plant
Graphite One Inc. is set to begin supplying graphite to North America’s battery market by the end of 2027. The company has chosen a new industrial site in Conneaut, Ohio, to construct its active anode materials plant. This location is approximately 65 miles northeast of Cleveland, along the southern shores of Lake Erie.
The site will be leased from the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company, part of Canadian National Railway, and offers several benefits compared to a previously suggested location near Warren, Ohio. These advantages include:
- Direct access to Lake Erie and the Great Lakes shipping route.
- Multi-line rail connections via Canadian National Railway.
- Existing power infrastructure with an on-site substation.
- Possibilities for future growth and expansion.
Mike Schaffner, COO of Graphite One, expressed optimism about the new site, stating, “This location gives us the infrastructure, logistics, and room for growth that we need for the future.”
The existing power setup was a major factor in the decision to move. The original location in Warren faced delays due to necessary upgrades to the power infrastructure, which would have slowed down development.
Initially, the plant will focus on finishing and blending synthetic graphite, processing 10,000 metric tons per year. This will produce:
- 4,000 metric tons of energy storage material.
- 3,000 metric tons of fast-charging material.
- 3,000 metric tons of high-energy-density material.
These materials are intended for use as anode components in lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for electric vehicles, large-scale energy storage, and data centers.
Phase one is scheduled to start by the end of 2027, with plans for a second phase to increase capacity to 25,000 metric tons per year by the end of 2028. The final phase aims for a production level of 175,000 metric tons per year, coinciding with the launch of graphite extraction from the Graphite Creek mine in Alaska, expected to be operational by 2030.
CEO Anthony Huston noted, “We now have a clear path from site acquisition to production and customer engagement. Our goal is to create a U.S.-based supply chain that meets the long-term battery needs of North America.”
Currently, the U.S. relies entirely on imports for its natural graphite, with China controlling about 80% of the global supply. Graphite One’s initiative aims to establish a domestic supply chain to address this significant gap. The company’s efforts have attracted interest from three major electric vehicle manufacturers and three prominent lithium battery companies, which are currently evaluating samples of their graphite anode materials.
Huston expressed enthusiasm about the customer interactions, stating, “The ongoing discussions are a crucial step toward building lasting relationships.”
Graphite One is poised to play a vital role in providing materials necessary for clean energy, transportation, and technology, thanks to its plans for a graphite mine in Alaska and the newly secured infrastructure in Ohio.
