Ann: Significant Progress on Construction of VHD Tech Pilot Plant, page-10

Green Critical Minerals starts construction of high-tech graphite pilot plant
Green Critical Minerals aims to commercialise its graphite tech with a pilot plant now under construction in NSW.

Special Report
2 min read
December 12, 2024 - 11:15AM

GCM aims to commercialise its VHD technology across renewable energy and high-performance electronics markets. Pic: via Getty Images

• Green Critical Minerals says VHD pilot plant on track for commissioning in Q3 FY25
  
  
• VHD tech is targeting computing sector and solar thermal energy storage
  
  
• Company to produce demonstration-scale blocks for customer qualification and testing
  

Special Report: Green Critical Minerals is well on the way to constructing a pilot plant in NSW to commercialise its VHD tech, where graphite blocks will be produced for the computing sector and solar thermal energy storage systems.

The company acquired the tech back in October, drawn by its ability to convert graphite into very high-density graphite blocks that have among the highest thermal conductivity ever recorded for any bulk material – up to 617 W/m·K along the grain – and the lowest electrical resistivity (of 1.2 µΩ·m) ever measured for any bulk graphite product.

Notable applications include materials for the defence and nuclear industries, thermal energy storage systems, high-performance electronics, battery electrodes, heat sinks and aerospace.

This pilot plant has been designed to support the parallel development of heat sinks and solar-thermal blocks.

Smaller VHD blocks will be produced, designed specifically for heat sinks in the high-performance computing sector – for example for gaming computers, super computers and AI data centres.

The larger VHD blocks are tailored for solar-thermal energy storage systems, a market with growing demand for innovative solutions to decarbonise power generation and industrial processes.

The company says these blocks are critical components for thermal energy storage (TES) in utility-scale renewable energy projects, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

Construction has commenced, with receipt of all critical equipment required, with the plant on track for commissioning in Q3 FY25.

Full steam ahead for commercialisation
The company says the construction of this facility represents a pivotal step in its journey to commercialise its VHD technology across renewable energy and high-performance electronics markets.

"The progress at our NSW pilot plant is truly exciting and demonstrates the great momentum we are building at GCM,” Green Critical Minerals (ASX:GCM) MD Clinton Booth said.

“The speed and quality of the work being undertaken reflects our team's commitment to excellence.

“This pilot plant is a pivotal milestone in proving the commercial viability of our VHD technology.

"We are particularly pleased with the rapid developments achieved in the construction phases.

“With production of demonstration blocks on track for March next year, we are achieving remarkable and rapid progress.”

Booth said the pilot plant represents a cornerstone in GCM’s broader vision to drive innovation and deliver high-value, sustainable solutions to global markets.

“We are laying the groundwork for full commercial production of our VHD graphite blocks, as well as continually exploring opportunities in additional sectors such as aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing,” he said.

“These efforts, coupled with our commitment to continuous R&D and strategic partnerships, positions GCM to make a meaningful impact in decarbonisation and energy efficiency solutions worldwide."

Once the plant has been commissioned, the company aims to validate laboratory scale sample production and properties in Q3 FY25.

Customer qualification is also expected in Q3 FY25, with commercialisation and ramp-up slated for Q1 FY 2026 (subject to pilot plant success).

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/bu...t/news-story/30993e848949b68293d9b9df3222090c