Huge investment confirmed for north east
The first UK Gigafactory dedicated to the manufacture batteries for electric vehicles will be established in the north east.
Britishvolt has acquired exclusive rights to a site in Blyth, Northumberland and intends to begin construction next summer, with the first lithium-ion batteries in production by the end of 2023.
Total investment for Britishvolt’s Gigafactory is £2.6bn making it the largest industrial investment in the north east since Nissan’s arrival in 1984 and one of the largest-ever industrial investments in the UK.
By the final phase of the project in 2027 it will be employing up to 3,000 highly skilled people, producing over 300,000 lithium-ion batteries for the UK automotive industry. It will further provide up to 5,000 jobs in the wider supply chain.
Britishvolt CEO, Orral Nadjari, said: “We are delighted to have secured this site in Blyth. This is a tremendous moment both for Britishvolt and UK industry. 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. We have had an extremely warm welcome from Ian Levy MP and Northumberland County Council and are looking forward to working with them closely on this project.”
Blyth Valley MP, Ian Levy, said: “This is an incredibly exciting announcement that will have a massive impact in the constituency and the surrounding area for decades to come. I can’t think of anything comparable in the north east since Nissan invested in Sunderland more than 35 years ago.
“There is still much to do but the prospect of the UK’s first Gigafactory on the old Blyth Power Station site directly creating up to 8000 jobs is amazing. These jobs will not only return the area to the status of an industrial powerhouse but will help us retain our graduates and provide a huge boost to struggling high streets. I look forward to working with all involved and will provide the backing necessary to deliver a scheme that is a once in a generation opportunity.”
