Plans are already underway for the Talga Vittangi battery anode project and integrated graphite operation near the town of Vittangi.

The entire project will be powered by 100% renewable electricity to supply ultra-low emission coated anodes for 'green' lithium-ion batteries.

Sweden is known for its resources of graphite - particularly in the northern region, with the material a key resource for batteries, cars and steel manufacturing.

Anode production at Vittangi is expected to be 19,000 tonnes of battery anode per year from 2023.

Currently, most of the world's reserves are in China, India and Brazil, and Europe imports most of its graphite.

"ABB is at the forefront of industrial automation and electrification, and we are very pleased to have their support as we continue to execute on our plan to build one of Europe's largest lithium-ion battery anode production facility for more sustainable batteries," Talga managing director Mark Thompson said.

ABB process industries North Europe division manager Björn Jonsson added that support of the Vittangi project gives ABb a further opportunity to show its capabilities in industrial automation and smart electrification.

"This is another milestone for us and our customers in our aim for more sustainable operations and a fossil fuel-free society," Jonsson said.