Dana Gas starts first industrial graphene production in Sharjah

Dana Gas PJSC and Levidian have commenced graphene production at the Sharjah Graphene Park with the successful commissioning of the first LOOP 20 unit. This marks the start of industrial graphene production in Sharjah, UAE, with an annual capacity exceeding one tonne. The partners are currently engaging with potential customers in the UAE and GCC for long-term graphene offtake agreements, and several local customers are conducting product trials with Levidian's graphene.

The rapid commissioning follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Dana Gas and Levidian in May at the Make it in the Emirates event. This initial phase, involving a modest investment of under $1 million, aims to establish commercial production and stimulate regional demand for graphene. The next phase involves constructing additional LOOP 60 and LOOP 100 units in the UK, expected to boost production capacity to over 10 tonnes annually by the end of 2026, with a total investment of approximately $2.5 million.

Richard Hall, CEO of Dana Gas, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the company's commitment to leveraging natural gas for industrial innovation in the UAE. With production underway and further capacity being developed, Dana Gas aims to scale operations in response to commercial demand, creating long-term value for shareholders.

Alex Holden, CEO of Levidian, emphasized the importance of establishing graphene production in the UAE and the rapid transition from agreement to production. The focus is now on developing graphene applications and fostering long-term customer relationships across the UAE and GCC.

Levidian's patented LOOP technology uses microwave plasma to convert methane into hydrogen and high-quality graphene, offering new commercial opportunities for natural gas streams while supporting emissions reduction. Graphene's properties, including strength, light weight, and conductivity, make it valuable for applications in batteries, tyres, concrete, coatings, and polymers.

The partners aim to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality graphene in the region, supporting its integration into key sectors such as construction, polymers, coatings, and energy. With several customers already trialing the product, the Sharjah Graphene Park provides a platform for local supply and scalable production as demand increases.