Britishvolt to build $3.5bn battery gigafactory in Blyth, Northumberland

Britishvolt, an electric vehicle battery startup, has finalized a site in Blyth, Northumberland in the North East of England to build a battery gigafactory with an investment of £2.6 billion ($3.5 billion).

The company said that it has secured exclusive rights to the site and plans to start construction in Summer 2021. The battery gigafactory is expected to begin production of lithium-ion batteries by 2023-end.

Britishvolt estimates the vehicle battery plant to recruit up to 3,000 highly skilled people, by the time the project reaches final phase in 2027. Furthermore, the facility will provide up to 5000 jobs in the broader supply chain.

The battery gigafactory will produce more than 300,000 lithium-ion batteries for the UK automotive sector.

Britishvolt to build $3.5bn battery Gigafactory in North East of England. Photo courtesy of Britishvolt.

To be built on a 95-hectare site that previously hosted the now-demolished Blyth Power Station, the vehicle battery plant will be powered by renewable energy. The facility could also use hydro-electric power produced in Norway and transmitted through the North Sea Link project.

Orral Nadjari – Britishvolt CEO said: “Now we can really start the hard work and begin producing lithium-ion batteries for future electrified vehicles in just three years. It is crucial for the UK automotive industry and for the entire economy that we are able to power the future. The sooner we start, the better.

“Blyth meets all of our exacting requirements and could be tailor made. It is on the doorstep of major transport links, easily accessible renewable energy and the opportunity for a co-located supply chain, meets our target to make our Gigafactory the world’s cleanest and greenest battery facility.”