OCSiAl opens plant in Serbia to increase graphene nanotube production

OCSiAl has opened its first European production plant in Serbia, the new facility is dedicated to the production of TUBALL™ nanotubes and nanotube-based products.

The ceremony was attended by leading automotive and battery manufacturers, confirming the key role that graphene nanotubes play in driving next-generation battery technologies.

“The plant’s strategic location in Serbia will enhance our supply of advanced nanotube solutions to Europe, Asia and the United States,” said Konstantin Notman, CEO of the OCSiAl Group. “The plant will initially produce 60 tons of graphene nanotubes per year, we plan to double this with a second synthesis unit within the next year.”

The Serbian plant is modular in design and can be expanded quickly, enabling OCSiAl to set up and launch a new synthesis unit at any location within two years. This cutting-edge technology is the result of more than 15 years of research and development and is patented in 46 countries.

The 10,000 square meter ISO 9001 certified facility includes a graphene nanotube synthesis unit, dispersion and concentrate production lines, an R&D center and a quality control laboratory. The plant has passed rigorous audits by top automotive battery manufacturers.

“Our nanotube dispersion line alone can increase lithium-ion battery capacity to 65 GWh, enough for more than 1 million electric vehicles with a typical 65 kWh battery pack,” said Andrej Seniut, head of energy projects at OCSiAl. “Our largest customers include advanced battery manufacturers producing silicon-rich anodes, fast-charging graphite, ultra-thick cathodes and semi-solid batteries. Graphene nanotubes are the only market solution that can create a superconducting, elastic network within the electrode, which improves the battery’s cycle life, energy density and safety.”

“We are witnessing a historic moment in the new step of Luxembourg-Serbia relations. This is the largest investment by a Luxembourg company in Serbia to date and I hope it will inspire more investments in Luxembourg. This strategic investment will significantly strengthen the automotive cluster in Serbia and across Europe. I am very happy to be on this exciting journey with OCSiAl!”

In line with OCSiAl’s sustainability goals, the new plant runs entirely on hydroelectric power. Graphene nanotubes contribute directly to achieving a net-zero future by enhancing materials to extend product life and improve energy efficiency. In electric vehicles alone, nanotubes in batteries and tires can reduce CO2 emissions over the entire life cycle by up to 8%.