ORNL and ACP Technologies Launch Pilot Plant for Synthetic Graphite and Carbon Fiber Production

Oak Ridge National Laboratory and ACP Technologies have started a pilot plant to scale up production of synthetic graphite and carbon fiber from carbon-rich pitch. The project moves these materials from lab experiments toward commercial use in energy storage, transportation, and defense applications. Synthetic graphite is a key component in lithium-ion batteries, while carbon fiber reduces vehicle weight and improves fuel efficiency. The pilot plant will test the conversion process and gather data on large-scale manufacturing feasibility. This effort aims to strengthen domestic supply chains for advanced carbon materials, reducing reliance on imports. If successful, it could support grid decarbonization by enabling cheaper, more efficient battery production and lighter electric vehicles. The partnership addresses technical challenges in scaling pitch-based materials, which have been difficult to produce at industrial volumes. The results could have implications for clean energy infrastructure, including battery storage and electric vehicle manufacturing.