Old EV Batteries Get a Nordic Second Act

Vianode and Fortum join forces to recycle graphite for EVs, cutting emissions and import reliance in Europe’s battery race

19 May 2025

Vianode of Norway and Finland’s Fortum Battery Recycling have formed a partnership to recover graphite from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, aiming to ease Europe’s dependence on imported anode materials.

Graphite is the main component in battery anodes and is largely sourced from China. Rising electric vehicle demand and EU rules requiring higher levels of recycled content by 2030 have increased pressure on manufacturers to secure local supplies with lower carbon footprints.

The companies plan to combine Fortum’s chemical recovery systems with Vianode’s refining technology, with commercial-scale operations targeted for 2026, subject to development milestones. Both groups say the process could reduce emissions compared with conventional mining and refining.

“This partnership is about more than just recycling; it is about reshaping the foundation of Europe’s battery supply chain,” said Stefan Bergold, Vianode’s chief commercial officer. Tero Holländer of Fortum described the initiative as a “circular solution that tackles both climate impact and raw material scarcity.”

The project aligns with broader European efforts to expand domestic processing capacity and reduce exposure to supply chain disruptions. Industry advisers say recycled graphite could help cell makers meet compliance targets while lowering costs, though the consistency and purity of recovered material remain central challenges.

Analysts note that the region’s recycling sector is still developing, with limited volumes of end-of-life batteries available as the EV fleet is relatively young. Scaling collection and treatment systems will be necessary for recycled graphite to make a meaningful contribution to supply.

Several EU member states are evaluating incentives for new recovery facilities, and policymakers are considering stricter rules on material tracking to support closed-loop production.

If successful, the partnership could provide an early model for integrating recycled anode materials into European battery manufacturing and support the bloc’s aim of building a more resilient, low-emission supply chain.