CLUSTER BACKGROUND
The Cluster is based on the following premises, three mega trends are shaping the new global economy. More than half of the growth in global energy is for power generation, mainly from renewables
Decarbonization
Renewable technologies are becoming so economical that a future without them is now impossible, regardless of CO2 goals
Decentralization
As the energy industry pushes for renewable alternatives, the system is becoming increasingly decentralized.
Digitalization
As the grid becomes decentralized, technology will step in to ensure a consistent and secure power supply
The project aims to provide
Energy
1.
Manufacturing of graphite electrodes & cathodes for primary Steel & Aluminum production that reduce environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency
2.
Manufacturing of electrodes for Nuclear reactors that contribute to the mix of clean energy
3.
Manufacturing of graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries that provides mobile and backup energy
4.
Total solution services for battery-based energy storage
Technology
5.
Production of graphene for internet of things, smart coating, membranes, medical and others
6.
Graphene R&D
Industrial
CLUSTER TARGET
“Petroleum Needle Coke” is a critical feedstock for advanced products
Horizon I
Graphite Electrodes
Non substitutable consumable for EAF steel production
Graphite Anodes
For lithium-ion, fuel cell and Redox batteries, used in grid peak, solar backup, UPS, data centers and remote power sites
Graphene
Wonder carbon-nano material, with distributive technology impact.
R&D opportunity for KSA
PRODUCTS OVERVIEW
Horizon 1 targets production of three products that provide essential raw material for Li-ion battery and primary steel production
Needle Coke
â–ª A precursor to several synthetic graphite products, scarce and high margin product due to large demand and short supply in the global market
â–ª Produced through coking and calcination of decant oil (special type of petroleum coke) or coal tar pitch (pitch coke).
â–ª Used in making various synthetic graphite products
â–ª Non substitutable element for conducting electricity in EAF steel production, amid the high temperature in EAF furnaces, only petroleum needle coke can be used for large UHP graphite electrodes
Graphite Anode
â–ª Petroleum anode material is extremely pure, 99.99% carbon content, and superior to to natural graphite. Amid its high price, battery makers blend petroleum and natural graphite for battery anode making
â–ª Produced through the graphite electrode process but made into powders, then micronized and coated on copper foils
â–ª Used in electric batteries, redox batteries, fuel cell, for EV, solar backup, grid storage, UPS, data centers etc.
Graphite Electrode
â–ª Produced through crushing and mixing a ton of needle coke with 200 kg of coal tar pitch and processed at high temperature baking and graphitizing furnaces through several steps to produce 1 ton of graphite electrode
â–ª Used in EAF steel, ferroalloys, and elementary phosphate production
Horizon II
Graphite Specialties
Water desalination membranes, nano drilling fluids, polymer additive, conductive ink, etc.
Nuclear Electrodes
Non substitutable consumable for SMR/ pebble bed nuclear reactors
Graphite Cathodes
Non-substitutable consumable for aluminum production
Carbon Fiber
Pitch fiber for aviation, automotive, buildings, structural elements, etc.
3D Print
Innovative manufacturing