If we play it right, Norway could become a major player internationally in battery production. I am working to build large factories to be built in Norway, says Trade and Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre. The minister announces that the national battery strategy is just around the corner.
Working on a battery strategy that contributes to Norway's value creation potential was one of the first things the Minister of Trade and Industry turned to, and now he wants Norwegian players on the pitch.
- It is very important that Norwegian players position themselves in the Scandinavian and European battery value chain. This includes access to the necessary raw materials for the production of components for the production of batteries. The use of batteries in transport, industry and other industries, and their recycling. This is urgent if we are to be able to gain a share in such a rapidly expanding market. That is why we have to invest now, says Trade and Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre.
The turnover potential of the Norwegian battery value chain is estimated at NOK 90 billion in 2030. This is more than, for example, when it comes to offshore wind energy and hydrogen combined.
We need to facilitate large-scale production of battery cells
Batteries are one of the government's six key focus areas that support green industry. Clearly, Norway has strong preconditions for success along the entire value chain. We need to facilitate large-scale production of battery cells in Norway. In this context, a strategy will be important, says Vestre's Trade and Industry Minister.
Several battery initiatives have already seen the light of day in the country. Among them are Skaland Grafitt and Freyr to the north, Beyonder and Corvus to the west, Hydrovolt to the east, and Morrow to the south. The ambition is for more of them. The government's new battery strategy is in its final stages. In the coming weeks, work will include dialogue with industry and other stakeholders.
The final battery strategy will be presented in spring 2022.
It will attract private capital
- The government wants to start a race powerful enough to attract private capital to set up factories in Norway. We will provide land, access to energy, education of the right people. We will provide export financing programs, competitive subsidy programs and active use of state property, says Vestre.
Source: Ministry of Trade and Industry
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