DIGIVESTASI - PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) has launched a pilot project to convert coal into synthetic graphite and anode sheets as raw materials for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. This move is driven by the global market potential for lithium battery anodes, which is predicted to reach hundreds of trillions by 2032.

Arsal Ismail, President Director of PTBA, explained that according to preliminary studies conducted in collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the market potential for lithium battery anodes in 2024 is estimated to reach IDR 230 trillion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.9% until 2032.

"With cumulative growth rates, calculated over 10 years from 2023 to 2032, we estimate around 30.9%. That’s just from anodes," said Arsal during the Mining Zone event hosted by CNBC Indonesia on Thursday (25/7/2024).

The market potential for synthetic graphite is projected to grow at a cumulative growth rate of 19.9% over the next 10 years. Specifically, the demand for synthetic graphite in Indonesia is expected to reach around 13,800 tons per year, with a value of approximately IDR 2.9 trillion per year.

"Currently, most of the demand for synthetic graphite in the Indonesian market is still met through imports. Through this project, we will also delve into market research and sustainable business aspects in line with the company’s vision and mission," added Arsal.

Besides being used as a lithium battery component for portable electronic devices, these anode sheets can also be utilized by the galvanization industry in metal plating processes, the metal refining industry, and aluminum production processes.

"This anode or graphite is not only used for the battery industry but is also in high demand by other industries, including hydrogen production," said Arsal.

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