Greenpower Park, a new centre of excellence for UK electrification, battery technology and manufacturing, has launched in Coventry.
With the West Midlands Gigafactory as its anchor tenant, the project aims to foster collaborations between industry, academic institutions and stakeholders to drive the UK’s transition to an electrified economy.
Greenpower Park sits within the West Midlands Investment Zone, which is focused on advanced manufacturing, and provides significant tax incentives and breaks for investors.
As such, Greenpower Park campus is currently the only site in the UK with approved plans for a large-scale battery production facility with capacity for up to 60GWh – enough to power 600,000 electric vehicles (EVs).
It will support the development of new businesses and manufacturing facilities with a package of incentives, combining investment zone status, approved planning permission and a regional incentives package to kick start development.
With a strategic focus on electrification technology development and manufacturing, the centre aims to attract inward investment of £2.5bn – creating 6,000 highly skilled jobs.
The facility is said to be attracting keen interest, with a number of Asian battery manufacturers reportedly considering moving to the site.
The project’s backers believe that Greenpower Park’s launch could prove a significant leap forward in battery technology development and sustainable manufacturing practices.
READ MORE: House of Commons urges gigafactory construction to support UK battery manufacturing
“In a decisive stride towards fortifying Britain’s position as a global leader in electrification innovation, the unveiling of Greenpower Park with the West Midlands Gigafactory marks a transformative moment for the nation’s net zero landscape,” said Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at Coventry City Council.
“This ambitious initiative is not merely about setting the groundwork for the next generation of electric technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices. It is a clarion call to the world that the UK is open for business, ready to lead the charge in the green industrial revolution.
“With its strategic location, unprecedented financial support, academic partnerships, a ready-made skilled workforce, and oven-ready plans to build Britain’s biggest gigafactory, Greenpower Park is poised to become the cornerstone of the UK’s electrified future, driving forward our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.”
Greenpower Park is part of a public private joint venture agreement between Coventry City Council and Coventry Airport.
It has support from an alliance of West Midlands industrial groups, local government, and academic institutions, comprising West Midlands Combined Authority, Warwick District Council, Warwickshire County Council, Rugby Council, Warwick Manufacturing Group at University of Warwick, Coventry University, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.
Achievements and innovations in future projects that further advancements in sustainable urban mobility will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
