Bergen Carbon Solutions receives NOK 30 million in grants
The Environmental Technology Scheme promotes the development and implementation of new technology that reduces resource consumption and emissions while strengthening business competitiveness. Bergen Carbon Solutions will now receive up to NOK 30.3 million in grants to develop its technology for materials used in the battery industry. Most of these materials are currently produced from fossil sources in Asia.
'The project will strengthen Norway's expertise in battery and materials technology, and could help secure the supply of critical raw materials for battery production,' says Håkon Haugli, our CEO.
Eliminating fossil-based raw materials
The company uses electrolysis to convert CO₂ into carbon, eliminating the need for fossil-based raw materials. The process requires only around ten per cent of the energy used in conventional production. By using CO₂ as a raw material, Bergen Carbon Solutions significantly reduces emissions. This project will further develop the company’s carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and enable a new focus on highly conductive carbon flakes from a producer with strong local roots in Norway and a distinctive green profile. These product groups support the production of batteries with higher energy density, a longer lifespan and improved fast-charging performance.
'This project involves a challenging technology development process and market risk. Support from us is crucial to completing the project within the planned scope and timeframe,' says Odd Strømsnes, CEO of Bergen Carbon Solutions.
The technology could play an important role in developing the next generation of lithium-sulphur batteries. If the project succeeds, it will strengthen Norway's position in the global battery value chain as a provider of green, sustainable technology for producing advanced carbon products.
Building partnerships
Bergen Carbon Solutions is working to establish strategic partnerships and collaborate with industrial companies. The company is based in Bergen, with offices, laboratories and testing facilities at Flesland, and plans to expand internationally.
'We are a small player, and introducing new, sustainable materials in competition with well-established fossil-based value chains is challenging. We need our products to be tested and developed in close collaboration with our customers' technology departments. That is why we are already in active dialogue with some of the world's largest chemical companies,' says Odd Strømsnes.
The development project is estimated to cost NOK 67.5 million in total. The company plans to fund the remaining amount through equity.