Northvolt has commenced the construction of its battery cell factory in Heide, Germany. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck, and other dignitaries, marks a pivotal moment for the region’s shift towards renewable energy solutions.
Northvolt CEO and founder Peter Carlsson expressed gratitude for the support received from customers, investors, and the local community, emphasizing the project’s role in advancing the global energy transition. “Heide already feels like home to us. If you’re looking for a purpose instead of a job in the state with the highest quality of life, you’ve come to the right place,” said Carlsson.
The factory, slated for completion in 2029, is expected to employ approximately 3,000 people and produce battery cells with an annual capacity of 60 GWh. This output could power around one million electric vehicles per year, a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions in the automotive industry.
Chancellor Scholz underscored the strategic importance of Northvolt’s investment, stating, “Germany was, is, and will remain a strong industrialized country. For this, we need battery cells made in Germany, made in Europe.” He emphasized the necessity of such projects in achieving climate goals and maintaining industrial competitiveness.
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Vice-Chancellor Habeck echoed these sentiments, calling the Northvolt project a beacon example of how economic growth and environmental sustainability can be mutually reinforcing. “The start of construction in Heide shows that the transformation towards climate neutrality and growth go hand in hand if the will is there and the framework conditions are right,” said Habeck.
The decision to build the factory in Heide was motivated by the region’s surplus of locally produced, CO2-neutral wind energy. Northvolt aims to leverage this renewable energy source to produce environmentally friendly battery cells, contributing to a greener automotive industry.
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The project, supported by Germany’s Battery IPCEI, represents an investment of €4.5 billion, with financial contributions from both the federal government and the state of Schleswig-Holstein. This support reflects the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable industries and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
