Britishvolt selects site in Blyth to build Britain's first battery gigaplant

Cllr Richard Wearmouth, Chair of Advance Northumberland said:  "The investment from Britishvolt would result in a truly transformational change in the Northumberland economy.  I am as Chair of Advance Northumberland extremely proud of the hard work, dedication, support and rennetless efforts of the team to bring this fantastic news to our county"

Britishvolt, the UK’s foremost investor in battery technologies, has selected Blyth, Northumberland to be the site of the UK’s first gigaplant. It intends to begin construction in Summer 2021 and world-class lithium-ion batteries will be in production by the end of 2023. 

It will be employing up to 3000 highly skilled people, producing over 300,000 lithium-ion batteries for the UK automotive industry by the final phase of production in 2027. Up to 5000 more jobs are expected from the wider supply chain. Total investment for Britishvolt’s gigaplant 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.

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 from now. 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 gigaplant the world’s cleanest and greenest battery facility.  We have set up an office in Blyth and have had an extremely warm welcome from Ian Levy MP and Advance Northumberland.  We are looking forward to working with them closely on this project.”

Blyth Valley MP, Ian Levy “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.

“Since Britishvolt first made contact it has been my absolute priority to work in partnership with its leadership team to do everything possible to bring this scheme to Northumberland. Advance Northumberland has also a played a critical role in reaching this point so quickly.

“There is still much to do but the prospect of the UK’s first gigaplant 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.”

The Britishvolt gigaplant will be built on a 95-hectare site, formerly the site of the Blyth Power Station. It will use renewable energy, including the potential to use hydro-electric power generated in Norway and transmitted 447 miles under the North Sea via the world’s longest inter-connector from the North Sea Link project.

Chair of Advance Northumberland, Councillor Richard Wearmouth “The investment proposed by Britishvolt would result in a truly transformational change in the economy of Northumberland, providing job opportunities and the prospect of a better life for countless residents.

“The project entirely reflects Northumberland County Council’s desire to be at the forefront of the renewable energy industry bringing with it the chance of ‘levelling’ up for our once forgotten communities. Advance Northumberland are working diligently to ensure that this project has every chance of success in the months to come.”