Anglo-Korean battery company Eurocell has announced that it is in advanced discussions to build its first European Gigafactory in the Netherlands, supplying battery cells to the energy storage and e-mobility sectors across the continent.
Having previously considered the UK as a potential location for the facility, Eurocell said it now intends to construct its new Gigafactory in the Netherlands in two phases, reaching full capacity as early as 2025.
The first phase will produce advanced battery cells at scale by early 2023 for existing European customers. The second phase, potentially on the same site, will be capable of producing more than 40 million cells per year by 2025.
Representing an initial investment of US$800m (£661.5m) rising to US$2bn (£1.65bn) by 2028 to support the energy storage market in Europe, Eurocell’s Gigafactory will reportedly produce ‘production-ready’ technologies in 12 months, using its battery product, which is verified and validated for scaled-up manufacturing.
Nick Clay, chief commercial officer, Eurocell EMEA, said: ““With rapid expansion plans in Europe, Eurocell is encouraged by the positive engagement we have had with both the Dutch government and NOM investment and development agency for the Northern Netherlands over the last few months.
“As we enter the final stages of discussions, we are confident that we will be able to confirm the exact location of our first European Gigafactory in the near future.”
Eurocell has claimed the Dutch Gigafactory will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, transferring skills from Korean battery experts, as well as boosting the economy in the sector and, in turn, achieving the Netherlands’ and Europe’s net zero ambitions.
