Phillips 66 taking 16% stake in synthetic graphite supplier NOVONIX; building US-based battery supply chain
10 August 2021
Phillips 66 has entered into an agreement to acquire a 16% stake in NOVONIX Limited, an Australia-based company that develops and supplies synthetic graphite materials for lithium-ion battery anodes.
NOVONIX’s anode materials business is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it is increasing capacity to produce 10,000 metric tons per year of synthetic graphite by 2023. The investment by Phillips 66 will support a capacity expansion of an additional 30,000 mt/year, which is expected to be completed by 2025.
This strategic investment enables Phillips 66 to directly support the development of the US battery supply chain. It advances our commitment to pursue lower-carbon solutions while leveraging our leadership position and expertise in the specialty coke market and supporting NOVONIX’s emerging position in US-based anode production.
—Greg Garland, Chairman and CEO of Phillips 66
Among its businesses, Phillips 66 is a leading global manufacturer of specialty coke, a key precursor in the production of batteries that power electric vehicles, personal electronics, medical devices and energy storage units. NOVONIX, a leading producer of synthetic graphite, processes specialty coke to make high-performance anode material for these batteries. The investment supports the development of a fully domestic supply chain for sales into the US electric vehicle and energy storage system markets.
Under the terms of the agreement, Phillips 66 will subscribe for 77,962,578 ordinary shares of NOVONIX for a total purchase price of US$150 million. Additionally, Phillips 66 will nominate one director to NOVONIX’s Board of Directors.
The transaction is subject to approval by NOVONIX shareholders, as well as other customary closing conditions. This investment is driven by Phillips 66’s Emerging Energy organization, which is tasked with building a lower-carbon business platform.
I worry when I see fossil fuel interests invest in the clean energy supply line; My fear is their intent is to disrupt the supply; however, in this case it appears their motives are righteous.
Posted by: Lad | 11 August 2021 at 06:59 PM