Stantec selected by NextSource Materials as prime consultant for Battery Anode Facility in UAE

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has been selected by NextSource Materials to serve as prime consultant for a new battery anode facility (BAF) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Located in Abu Dhabi, the proposed US$290-million facility is expected to process 30,000 tons per year of graphite when operating at full capacity. Graphite is a critical mineral for energy transition, acting as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles.

NextSource, a battery materials company based in Toronto, announced favorable technical and economic findings in September 2025 for the proposed BAF. Following this, NextSource has received the first shipment of equipment, marking a significant milestone for the project.

“This project represents a first-of-its-kind facility as the only BAF in the UAE, and we’re proud to be partnering closely with NextSource and equipment manufacturers from the earliest stages of design,” said Haidar Alhaidary, project manager at Stantec. “By integrating our knowledge directly into the design process, we can deliver a streamlined, highly efficient production environment.”

In preparation for bringing this BAF to Abu Dhabi, Stantec completed a concept and schematic design, and produced both a capital and operating cost estimate following guidelines from the American Association of Cost Engineers International. Currently, Stantec is moving forward with the detailed design and supporting NextSource with procurement of the construction contractor.

Located for accessibility
The site is strategically situated along major international shipping routes and supported by extensive and world-class infrastructure, including local deep-water ports, industrial parks, and commercial free zones. It is immediately adjacent to a wide range of industries, including petrochemicals, refining, manufacturing, and logistics—offering easy access to raw materials, markets, and transportation networks. The facility was formerly used for manufacturing, and Stantec adapted existing assets to meet project requirements. Detailed surveys have been completed to meet project requirements and deliver full services including project management and site supervision.

“Developing a battery anode facility of this scale and complexity requires a partner with deep technical capability and a collaborative mindset,” said Danniel Stokes, vice president of special projects at NextSource. “Stantec’s integrated design and project delivery approach has been instrumental in helping us move this project from concept toward execution while maintaining flexibility for future expansion.”

Learn more about Stantec’s focus on building our future with minerals and metals.

About Stantec
Stantec empowers clients, people, and communities to rise to the world’s greatest challenges at a time when the world faces more unprecedented concerns than ever before.   

We are a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. ​Our professionals deliver the expertise, technology, and innovation communities need to manage aging infrastructure, demographic and population changes, the energy transition, and more. ​

Today’s communities transcend geographic borders. At Stantec, community means everyone with an interest in the work that we do—from our project teams and industry colleagues to our clients and the people our work impacts. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure.  ​

We are designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, and strategic advisors. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.​

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.

Media Contacts

Susan Bender  
Stantec Media Relations
Ph: 267-773-9593
susan.bender@stantec.com

Claire Lindfield
Regional UAE Communications
Ph: +971 50 557 2898
claire.lindfield@stantec.com