Welcome to the GR4FITE3

Project Newsletter!

The GR4FITE3 project aims to enhance the resilience of graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries through a sustainable European supply chain. This includes eco-friendly mining, innovative low-energy processing, and integrating recycled synthetic graphite. Our goal is to develop high-density anodes, create battery cells and modules, and certify these batteries for use in electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. With the collaboration of 10 partner organizations from six European countries, and support from OEMs and stakeholders, GR4FITE3 is set to establish a robust supply chain for Europe's industrial graphite.

Our consortium

Year one highlights

The first year of the GR4FITE3 project has been marked by significant progress and key events.

Our timeline

Project Kick-off

The GR4FITE3 project officially launched in Milan on May 10-11th, 2023, with a meeting hosted by the project coordinator, RINA-C, in Milan.

M6 General Assembly in Brussels

The first General Assembly, hosted by CEA in Brussels, took place on November 14th and 15th, 2023. During this meeting, the consortium discussed updates and progress on all project activities, ranging from geological analysis to identifying ideal mining areas, setting the stage for producing battery-ready graphite.

M12 General Assembly in Poznan

The GR4FITE3 partners convened on May 14-15, 2024. Among several other updates, the consortium discussed the analysis of collected natural graphite samples and the electrochemical performance of the optimized graphite, laying the groundwork for scaling up anodic material production. The team also had the chance to visit the IMN laboratories and discover more about their work.

Innovative research

An environmentally responsible purification process for GR4FITE3

Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD), a key partner, has been advancing the purification processes for natural flake graphite. Their work focuses on developing eco-friendly and efficient purification techniques, crucial for achieving the high purity levels required for battery-grade graphite.

Collaborations

BEPA Membership

GR4FITE3 is proud to be a part of the Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA). BEPA is an international non-profit association representing the private side of the BATT4EU Partnership. It brings together the European battery community to contribute to the ambitious Research & Innovation Batteries Partnership under Horizon Europe. BEPA's main activity is to provide input and advice to the European Commission, helping identify research and innovation priorities and define call topics for the Horizon Europe Work Programmes.

GR4FITE3 in the global scenario

Critical Raw Materials

Export restrictions

On December 18th, 2023, China imposed export restrictions on graphite, underscoring the strategic importance of GR4FITE3's mission to reduce dependence on external sources and enhance Europe's supply chain resilience.

Critical Raw Materials Act

The European Critical Raw Materials Act aims to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials for Europe’s industry. It sets out measures to strengthen domestic supply chains, reinforce international engagement, and promote supply chain sustainability and circularity. This Act is vital for reducing the EU's dependency on single-country suppliers and is in line with GR4FITE3's goals of creating a resilient and sustainable graphite supply chain within Europe.

Industry insights

Graphite resources for EV battery manufacturers

James Cross, President and CEO of E-Power Resources, emphasized the critical importance of securing graphite resources for EV battery manufacturers. This discussion underscored the relevance of GR4FITE3's efforts to develop a robust and sustainable supply chain within Europe.

Events

See you soon...

LOLABAT Project Final Event

On September 9, our sister project, LOLABAT, will be holding its final event at RINA Consulting’s office in Rozzano, Italy. This event will serve as a platform to share LOLABAT’s outcomes and innovations. We encourage all interested stakeholders to join and engage with the project’s findings and advancements!

RSVP by July 5

Battery Recycling Conference & Expo 2024

The event is a key platform for battery producers, recycling companies, critical raw material suppliers, and other industry stakeholders to explore the latest innovations and solutions aimed at establishing a circular economy for used batteries and ensuring sustainable supply chains for the future. Our project coordinator, Nora Ganzinelli, will be present to represent GR4FITE3 and share insights into our progress and objectives.

Battery Innovation Days 2024

Co-organized by key European initiatives, this event returns after three successful editions. GR4FITE3 Project is set to participate in BID 2024, joining over 350 stakeholders from across Europe and beyond. This participation underscores its commitment to advancing battery-ready graphite and supporting the clean energy transition.

In case you missed it...

September 2023

Nora Ganzinelli presented GR4FITE3 at the SUPEHR23 conference in Savona, generating notable interest.

November 2023

GR4FITE3 was featured at Enlit Europe, focusing on storage technologies and energy storage projects, solidifying its role in the energy sector. Moreover, our partner Łukasiewicz – IMN took part in Horizon4Poland the largest matchmaking event in Poland for companies, R&D institutions and other organizations interested in EU projects. The GR4FITE3 project was also presented.

March 2024

Nora Ganzinelli spoke at the TrendTalk on Critical Raw Materials in Genoa, Italy, discussing materials for energy transition and electric vehicles.

May 2024

Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD) hosted the 6th ISE Satellite Student Regional Symposium on Electrochemistry, promoting scientific exchange between scientists and students.