Cabot investing in CCAs

Cabot plans to invest about $75-90 million to add 15,000 tonnes/year of conductive carbon additives (CCA) capacity at its site in Pampa, Texas. This is part of planned investment programme in CCAs of about  $200 million in the US over the next five years that will use the grants, loans and tax incentives on offer from the federal government.

CCAs, such as conductive carbons, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanostructures and blends, are an essential component of lithium-ion battery chemistry and are used to provide electrical conductivity to the active materials. Demand is expected to grow at 20-30%/year over the next five years as electric vehicle manufacturing booms. The Pampa project is expected to create around 75 jobs and to commence operation at the end of 2025.

In addition to a manufacturing plant, Cabot operates an R&D facility and pilot plant at the site that focuses on developing new process technology for battery and other applications. Further investments are planned in areas such as CNT powders and dispersions.