AMTE Power and Britishvolt have signed a memorandum of understanding to build the UK’s first battery cell gigafactory for the automotive and energy storage markets.
The intention is to achieve scalable production of lithium-ion batteries to support the UK’s Road to Zero target and increase electrification.
The location of the factory has not been decided, but Kevin Brundish, CEO of AMTE Power, told Engine & Powertrain Technology International that it is likely to be in either Dundee or Teesside.
Orral Nadjari, COO of Britishvolt, said that several potential sites have been analyzed and selection will be based on factors such as import/export accessibility and access to green energy sources. A decision will be made by the end of the summer, with construction due to start next year.
Plans for the factory are still being finalized, but AMTE and Britishvolt aim to have it up and running in 2023. Nadjari said, “By 2023 our plant will be capable of 10GWh, building out an additional 10GWh afterward with a final goal to achieve 30GWh by 2025/2026. Once fully constructed, we are expecting the factory to be 1,000m long, 500m wide and 30m high [3,280 x 1,640 x 100ft].”