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UHP (ultra-high-power) graphite electrodes
What it is
Ultra-high-power electrodes are the largest-diameter, highest-current grade, made from premium needle coke with longer graphitisation cycles. They serve high-productivity EAFs running at power densities that regular and high-power grades cannot sustain
Diameters of 650 mm and above are being developed for hydrogen-DRI fed furnaces
Impact on industries
- The premium tier of the market, with realisation and margin well above regular-power grades and a much narrower competitive set
- Decarbonisation raises the mix - modern high-productivity EAFs specify UHP, so the transition upgrades the product mix as well as expanding volume
- Requires captive or secured premium needle coke and long graphitisation capacity, so capability is capital-locked years ahead of demand
- Chinese capacity is expanding into large-diameter UHP, which erodes the scarcity that supports premium pricing