TRIESTE – Porto Marghera is positioning itself to become one of Europe’s main hubs for graphite processing thanks to the joint venture signed by Alkeemia and International Graphite Ltd.
The agreement provides for the development of a new industrial hub within Alkeemia’s Venice site, with the aim of strengthening Europe’s critical raw materials supply chain linked to the energy transition.
The agreement was signed during the latest edition of the Alkeemia Battery Forum and falls within the framework of the European Union Critical Raw Materials Act, which aims for Europe to process at least 40% of its critical raw materials by 2030.
The new company will be 51% controlled by Alkeemia and 49% by International Graphite, while profits will be distributed equally. The project provides for an initial capacity of around 10,000 tonnes per year of processed graphite, rising to 15,000 tonnes within three years. Work could start in the third quarter of 2026, while production is expected by the end of 2027, subject to a final investment decision.
According to the companies, the project will make use of the industrial, rail, port and energy infrastructure already available at Porto Marghera, as well as existing environmental permits and laboratories. Alkeemia is also completing a new line dedicated to graphite purification at its Venice site.
«This agreement represents a fundamental step not only for Alkeemia, but more generally for the development of a real European supply chain for critical raw materials and graphite in particular», said Lorenzo Di Donato, chief executive officer of Alkeemia. He underlined the need for Europe to reduce its dependence on external supply chains and develop local production capacity considered more sustainable and resilient.
The project was also commented on by Veneto regional councillor for economic development Massimo Bitonci, who described the agreement as «a concrete and strategic step» towards turning Marghera into «a major European hub for critical raw materials».
Bitonci highlighted how graphite is central to batteries, energy storage, electric mobility and advanced technologies, adding that the investment could support new skilled employment and attract further industrial capital to the area. The regional councillor also recalled the role of the ZLS Bluegate Port of Venice-Rovigo as a tool to support new production and logistics settlements in the Venice area.
In recent months the Italian government had already identified Porto Marghera as a possible strategic national and European hub for the development of rare earth supply chains and strategic materials linked to the energy transition.
