7-8-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesia has unveiled a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to producing anode materials for EV batteries. The plant, launched by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday, marks a crucial milestone in the country’s efforts to establish a robust domestic EV ecosystem.
The facility, a joint venture between China’s BTR New Material Group and Singapore’s Stellar Investment, represents an initial investment of $478 million. According to the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs, the plant’s first phase will have an annual production capacity of 80,000 metric tonnes of anode materials.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Kendal, Central Java, President Widodo highlighted the strategic importance of this development. “Our decision several years ago to develop a comprehensive EV ecosystem is beginning to bear fruit in Indonesia,” he stated, referencing the country’s 2020 ban on raw nickel exports as a pivotal moment in this journey.
Indonesia’s push towards becoming a key player in the global EV supply chain is rooted in its abundant mineral resources, particularly nickel, which is a crucial component in battery cathodes. By leveraging these natural advantages, the Southeast Asian nation aims to position itself as a hub for EV manufacturing and related industries.
The newly launched plant will process graphite products from BTR’s existing facility in Morowali into anode materials, completing another vital link in the EV battery production chain. This vertical integration approach is expected to enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness in the rapidly evolving global EV market.
Senior Minister Luhut Pandjaitan revealed plans for further expansion, announcing that BTR is slated to commence construction on the second phase of the anode material plant in the fourth quarter of this year. This expansion is projected to double the facility’s annual capacity to 160,000 tonnes, further solidifying Indonesia’s position in the EV battery component industry.
