SW leading the way for electric vehicle transition
Business leaders are hailing the decision to build the country’s biggest gigafactory in Somerset as a ‘vote of confidence’ for the region’s ‘clean energy powerhouse’ status.
The gigafactory, which will be one of the largest of its kind in Europe, is set to produce almost half the batteries needed to meet UK electric vehicle demands by 2035.
Supporters of the initiative say it will help underpin the ‘South West’s critical role in the UK’s economy and net zero transition.’
The Government’s ‘Battery Strategy’ outlines plans to deliver a globally competitive battery supply chain by 2030.
The South West is seen as a strong area to be able to help meet these goals as the existing infrastructure already houses a number of clean energy projects.
The region is home to the country’s only lithium mines which is crucial in the production of batteries for electric vehicles.
Demand for lithium is growing as the UK moves to ban the sale of conventional cars, with an estimated 80,000 tonnes of the metal needed by 2035. Planned projects in Cornwall alone could provide up to 40,000 tonnes a year.
‘The South West is the home of battery technologies, stretching from tech metals in Cornwall to battery production in Somerset,’ explains Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership.
‘With unrivalled resources and a ready supply chain, we are geared up to provide a secure, domestic supply of vital tech metals and produce the batteries needed to support the transition to net zero.’
‘Our region is spearheading the country’s green and blue revolution, with the potential to add over £45 billion to the economy by 2035.’
‘The Government’s decision to build this new gigafactory in Somerset strengthens our offering, and highlights the unparalleled opportunities the region presents for the UK economy.’
SW: Track record for low carbon projects
‘The South West has a track record of delivering major low carbon projects, and our supply chain is ready to be scaled up following the construction of Hinkley Point C,’ says Councillor Bill Revans, Leader at Somerset Council.
‘This nationally significant project will lead to opportunities for an array of sectors and companies throughout the development and production stages, and will bring huge economic benefits to Bridgwater and beyond.’
The new gigafactory will be located at the 616-acre Gravity site, near Bridgwater. The site is a designated Enterprise Zone.
‘The Gravity team are thrilled to see our ambition to attract international investment into the UK and host this at our campus in Somerset is now translating into confirmation of a primary occupier,’ says Claire Pearce, Director of Planning and Economic Development for Gravity.
‘Working closely with Agratas, this £4 billion investment into the energy management sector will not only create training and job opportunities in Somerset, but support employment retention in the Midlands and wider UK, and stimulate research and development and new product lines.’
‘We look forward to playing a part in the UK establishing a leadership role in electric vehicle and transport decarbonisation.’
The news follows last year’s announcement for geothermal projects in Cornwall securing contracts awarded by the Government to provide clean energy for the next 15 years.
The Manhay, Penhallow and United Down projects, run by UK-based Geothermal Engineering Limited, are the first Contracts for Difference allocated to geothermal energy production in the UK.
