Location of UK's first gigafactory revealed

A supplementary 200MW solar plant will also be included.

Britishvolt has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Welsh Government to develop the 30GWh gigafactory.

After six months of analysis, the site was narrowed down from over 40 locations, due to a number of factors including: import/export accessibility, availability of labour and skilled staff, and convenient geographical proximity to customers and local industrial companies.

Both parties have now signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), to collaborate on the potential of building the UK's first full cycle battery cell gigaplant subject to UK government funding through the Automotive Transformation Fund, to produce lithium ion cylindrical and pouch cells primarily servicing the automotive market.

A successful outcome of the partnership could enable the scalable production of a world-class portfolio of lithium ion batteries, creating and expanding an onshore manufacturing ecosystem and supply chain to support the country's "Road to Zero" emissions targets, and unprecedented transition to electrification.

It is anticipated that the initial £1.2 billion of investment from the company could eventually lead towards up to 3,500 jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2021.

Orral Nadjari, CEO and founder at Britishvolt commented: “Hiring local people, including those currently out of work, and developing strong relationships with nearby educational facilities will be a priority for us to ensure a stream of skilled staff. Britishvolt will also encourage other businesses to invest in the region with the aim of creating a hub of battery electrification – building out our very own infrastructure and supply chain ecosystem, which will create thousands more jobs.

“The construction of the solar farm will not only ensure our gigaplant has a near carbon neutral electricity input – complementing our goal of becoming one of the greenest battery producers worldwide – but also provide cleaner energy to the local area. The pandemic is acting as a catalyst, creating new markets for greener technologies, and highlighting the importance of localised supply chains – which Britishvolt has the backing and resources to drive forward.”

Britishvolt www.britishvolt.com