EnergyPathways (AIM:EPP) is accelerating the development of a low-cost hydrogen and graphite production facility at Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, UK, with the aim of generating revenue by 2029.
A site has been identified in Barrow capable of housing a 20,000-tonne-per-annum plant, with potential for future expansion. Negotiations to purchase the site are underway.
The company also notes there are existing connections into the gas and power networks, which will enable fast-track development. EnergyPathways is in direct dialogue regarding the option to secure a prioritised grid connection.
No government commercial support is required and there are minimal regulatory processes. The company says it has identified a route to early revenues by 2029.
EnergyPathways will continue to explore potential grants for further development work on higher-quality graphite, which can attract better prices and margins.
Two-phase strategy
Graphite is considered a critical mineral in the UK, where there is currently no domestic production.
EnergyPathways CEO Ben Clube says the company is focused on securing offtake agreements, completing engineering work, and securing funding to deliver early cash flow for the MESH Project and support long-term investment in Barrow.
The company has implemented a two-phase strategy, with phase one centred on establishing EnergyPathways as a ‘major’ graphite supplier. The initial markets identified are tyre manufacturing, metallurgical industries, and the blending of graphite into concrete and asphalt.
These industries use carbon on a large scale, and EnergyPathways’ graphite would offer them a route to decarbonisation.
Phase two involves moving up the value chain. The company intends to convert graphitic carbon into ‘high-grade’ graphite, including material suitable for use in electric vehicle batteries and other advanced applications.
Further design optimisation and supply chain management could bring the project start-up forward.
EnergyPathways’ MESH Project is an integrated energy system solution comprising large-scale, long-duration energy storage (LDES), flexible low-carbon power capacity, and low-carbon hydrogen and graphite production.
MESH will use existing infrastructure to connect its integrated LDES system to the UK grid and nearby offshore wind capacity, helping harness value from some of the nation’s otherwise wasted wind power, which is worth billions of pounds.
EnergyPathways focuses on developing low-emissions energy solutions to meet the growing demand for clean energy in the UK as it transitions to net zero.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Main image: EnergyPathways
