CRMA project
Kokkola, Finland
Hycamite CRMA project
Hycamite is proud to announce that our innovative graphite production has been officially recognized as a Strategic Project by the European Commission under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). Our project supports the EU’s strategic goals of strengthening supply chain resilience, reducing dependency on third-country imports and advancing the clean transition.
Our low-carbon process produces high-quality graphite, a critical raw material for batteries, fuel cells, and clean energy technologies, without relying on conventional mining. In addition to graphite, our methane-splitting process produces clean hydrogen and other high-value carbon products.
This project directly supports the EU’s goal of building resilient, domestic value chains for critical raw materials.
What makes our graphite production unique?
No mining required
We produce graphite from methane, avoiding traditional extraction methods.
Geographically flexible
Our technology can be deployed anywhere, close to industrial users.
Scalable solution
Modular production units can be tailored to match regional demand.
Low emissions
The methane-splitting process is emissions-free, and localized graphite production helps cut emissions from international transport.
The benefits of being granted CRMA status
Being granted Strategic Project status brings advantages such as better access to EU funding through priority consideration in EU grant programs, a faster permitting process through a streamlined maximum approval timeline of 15 months for processing and potential national funding. A financing group will also help fast-track these capital-intensive initiatives, offering public guarantees from national banks, the European Investment Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to attract private investment.
Hycamite can locally produce carbon products, as methane is widely available globally, enhancing the security of critical carbon product supply.
Hycamite has developed several catalyst families. Using different catalysts, Hycamite can produce different types of carbon products. This means that Hycamite’s carbon products can be adapted to meet the needs of different customers.
Project scope
Demonstration and optimization of an innovative graphite manufacturing process from the precursor production and post-treatment to industrial-scale validation and full-scale graphite production. The project’s outcome will be a high-performance, cost-effective graphite material with a low carbon footprint that meets the specific needs of the European energy storage industry. By 2030, we aim to capture a significant part of the European market for battery-grade graphite, contributing substantially to meeting this rising demand.
Project phases
Project recognition
Industrial-scale graphitic carbon production
Phase 1 facility
Full-scale production and integration into European supply chains
Project impact
Environmental
Hycamite’s graphite production offers a cleaner alternative to traditional mining. Our methane-splitting process is emissions-free, and by producing graphite locally, we reduce the need for transporting materials across the globe. This helps lower the overall carbon footprint of the supply chain. Additionally, the process avoids environmental harm often associated with mining, such as habitat disruption or water pollution.
Social
By building our production in Kokkola, Finland, we contribute to the vitality of the local community and help strengthen the region’s role in the European clean energy transition. Developing a safe, responsible, and future-oriented industry can bring long-term opportunities and pride to the area. The project supports creating new, high-quality jobs in clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
The project also fosters collaboration with local schools and universities, linking education with industry needs. This strengthens skills development and research in clean technologies, while helping position the region and Europe at the forefront of the energy transition.
Economic
Looking ahead
This project focuses on the demonstration and optimization of an innovative graphite manufacturing process, encompassing every stage from precursor production and post-treatment to industrial-scale validation and full-scale graphite production. The outcome of the project will be a high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable graphite material that meets the specific needs of the European energy storage industry. By 2030, we aim to capture a significant part of the European market for battery-grade graphite, contributing substantially to meeting this rising demand.
Contacts
