Battery manufacturer - Northvolt files application for first large production hall
The Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt is pushing forward with the construction of its factory in Heide. "Northvolt has filed an application with the environmental office to begin pile foundation work for the first large production building as soon as possible," said a company spokesperson. "We have repeatedly emphasized that we are fully committed to the construction project in Heide and that the work is progressing as planned." The imminently planned foundation work for the first production block is evidence of this.
Early July, Northvolt CEO Peter Carlsson emphasized in an interview with the Swedish business newspaper "Dagens industri" that the company had been too aggressive in its expansion plans. Northvolt is now reviewing this. Previously, automaker BMW had withdrawn a two-billion-euro contract for battery cells.
Challenging Environment
"The framework conditions for the battery cell industry have become more challenging in general," said the Northvolt spokesperson. "We are also dealing with this." Currently, more than 500 people are involved in the planning of the factory in Schleswig-Holstein, including Northvolt employees in Sweden, Dithmarschen and Hamburg, planning offices, and service providers.
Fifty hectares have already been leveled on the construction site, the spokesperson said. Since early July, the site manager for the future factory has been in place. Daily, there have been 200 to 300 truck deliveries. The company is already recruiting personnel for the establishment of a factory fire department. On Friday, a temporary, two-story office building will be moved in, which will provide space for 120 jobs and conference rooms.
Political Questioning
Politicians in Schleswig-Holstein were surprised by Carlsson's statements. Northvolt's Germany CEO Christofer Haux met with members of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Landtag in Malmö to discuss the company's situation.
Northvolt plans to build up to one million battery cells for electric cars per year at Heide. The construction project, which costs 4.5 billion euros, was launched in late March by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens). The factory is expected to create 3,000 jobs. The federal and state governments are supporting the battery factory with approximately 700 million euros. In addition, possible guarantees of up to an additional 202 million euros, which still need to be approved, are also available.
- Peter Carlsson, the CEO of Northvolt, acknowledged the challenges in the battery cell industry during an interview with Swedish business newspaper "Dagens industri."
- The regional Office in Schleswig-Holstein is currently overseen by Northvolt's site manager, who has been in place since early July.
- Despite the difficulties, Northvolt remains committed to its production hall construction in Germany, with around 500 individuals involved in planning, including employees from Sweden and Hamburg.
- Northvolt's future factory in Schleswig-Holstein is anticipated to contribute significantly to the climate agenda, producing up to one million battery cells for electric vehicles annually, with the support of both federal and state governments.
- The German automobile industry, like other parts, is also keeping a close eye on Northvolt's progress in Heide, considering the Swedish company's importance in the shift towards renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.
