Graphjet Technology embarks on capacity expansion to produce ‘super materials’

NASDAQ-listed Graphjet Technology, a Malaysia-based company that has patented the technology to convert palm kernel shells into graphite and graphene, plans to expand its production capacity from just 3,000 tones per annum currently to 23,000 by 2027.

Graphite and graphene are said to be the next “super materials” for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and semiconductors.

Graphjet started as a biodiesel producer in Johor but it is now in the midst of relocating to Subang, Selangor, where it will focus on producing graphite and graphene. The plant is expected to commence production as early as this week.

Furthermore, it will expand to Kuantan, Pahang, as well as Nevada, a landlocked state in the western region of the US. The plants in Kuantan and Nevada are expected to be ready within the next two to three years.

“We are currently expanding our production capabilities with a new artificial graphite production facility planned in Nevada and another in Kuantan. The Nevada facility will be strategically located to serve the growing demand in the US, while the Kuantan plant will cater to both local and international markets,” Graphjet co-founder and CEO Aiden Lee Ping Wei tells The Edge in an interview.

The production facility in Subang has an annual capacity of 3,000 tonnes of graphite, with RM300 million allocated for the plant.

As for the Kuantan and Nevada plants, they will each have an annual capacity of 10,000 tonnes of graphite and 60 tonnes of graphene once fully operational. The Kuantan facility is estimated to cost RM400 million to RM450 million, while that in Nevada is expected to cost US$150 million (RM706.5 million) to US$200 million.

To fund the expansion, Graphjet could tap the capital markets since it is now a Nasdaq-listed firm, says Lee.

As at March 31, 2024, it had cash of US$1.146 million and debt of US$522,000.

After the cost it incurred for its Nasdaq listing, Graphjet is expected to be net cash flow positive by the end of this year, driven by the new factory in Subang. “As more invoices come in and our operations ramp up, we anticipate moving into a more favourable financial position,” says Lee.

Graphjet’s technology, which is patented in Malaysia, converts palm kernel shells — a by-product of the palm oil industry — into high-quality graphite and graphene, while significantly reducing production costs and environmental impact.

“The industry prospects for graphite and graphene are extremely promising, particularly in the context of the EV and semiconductor industries. Graphite is essential for battery production, and graphene holds the potential for revolutionary applications in electronics,” he explains.

Lee points out that the main raw materials used by Graphjet are palm kernel shells, which are abundant in Malaysia and Indonesia. “They are an ideal source for producing graphite and graphene owing to their high carbon content. The conversion process is not only sustainable but also cost-effective.

“The use of palm kernel shells ensures a consistent supply of raw materials, crucial for maintaining high production standards and meeting market demands.”

Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice, known for its exceptional strength, electrical conductivity and thermal properties.

“Its applications extend to semiconductors, sensors and conductive materials. In the semiconductor industry, graphene is gaining traction for its potential to replace silicon in transistors due to its superior electrical properties.

“Graphene’s exceptional properties make it a promising material for next-­generation semiconductors, potentially revolutionizing the industry by offering faster, more efficient and smaller electronic devices,” Lee explains.

Graphite, on the other hand, is composed of many layers of graphene stacked together and is used extensively as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries.

“The quality and consistency of graphite are crucial for the performance and safety of EV batteries,” he stresses.

Content Source - https://www.msn.com/en-my/money/topstories/graphjet-technology-embarks-on-capacity-expansion-to-produce-super-materials/ar-BB1pk1db

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Aiden Lee Ping Wei -Ramping up domestic graphite production could aid the green energy transition

Image
  A key ingredient to lithium-ion batteries’ supply chain is not built to last Given the growing importance of graphite in energy storage technologies, a team of Northwestern researchers has conducted a study exploring ways to reduce reliance on imports of the in high-demand mineral, which powers everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to cell phones. The paper, which published last week (Feb. 15) in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, is the first natural and synthetic graphite material flow analysis for the U.S., and considers 11 end-use applications for graphite, two waste management stages and three recycling pathways. “If we want to produce more batteries domestically, we’re going to need to increase our production of graphite,” said Northwestern University chemical engineer Jennifer Dunn. “But the question is, how can we do so in a way that contributes to decarbonization goals?” Dunn is an associate professor of chemical and biological engineering at Northwestern’s
Read more

Aiden Lee Ping Wei - Save environment by recycling industrial waste

Aiden Lee Ping Wei, a 34-year-old Malaysian entrepreneur, has garnered extensive experience in the engineering, construction, and telecommunications sectors. His roles as Project Director and Corporate Finance Director in publicly listed companies highlight his strategic agility and dedication to continuous learning. In this post, Aiden Lee Ping Wei shares insights on how to save the environment by recycling industrial waste. Recycling industrial waste is vital for sustainable industrial practices, conserving natural resources, reducing energy consumption, decreasing pollution, and minimizing landfill waste. Here are strategies and methods to recycle industrial waste effectively and contribute to environmental preservation: 1. Waste Segregation and Sorting Segregation at Source : Separate waste at its point of generation for easier recycling. Sorting Facilities : Establish facilities to categorize materials like metals, plastics, glass, paper, and hazardous waste. 2. Material-Specific
Read more

Aiden Lee Ping Wei - Ways to Generate Green Energy

Generating green energy involves harnessing natural resources that are renewable and have minimal environmental impact. Here are some key methods shared by Aiden Lee Ping Wei: 1. Solar Power Photovoltaic Cells : Convert sunlight directly into electricity using solar panels. Solar Thermal : Uses sunlight to heat a fluid, producing steam to drive a turbine and generate electricity. 2. Wind Power Wind Turbines : Capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity through rotating blades connected to a generator. 3. Hydropower Dams : Use stored water to drive turbines as water flows from a higher to a lower elevation. Run-of-the-River : Diverts part of a river through turbines without significantly altering the river's flow. 4. Biomass Energy Direct Combustion : Burns organic materials like wood and agricultural waste to produce heat or electricity. Biofuels : Converts organic materials into liquid fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. 5. Geothermal Energy Geothermal Power Pla
Read more