Gothenburg set to become a key hub in the fast-growing Nordic battery industry
In the coming years Gothenburg and West Sweden will have in place two large-scale battery cell production plants, with massive investments being made by Volvo Cars, Northvolt and the Volvo Group. With a new and ambitious business ecosystem emerging, the region offers good opportunities for innovative companies.
Scandinavia’s sustainable battery industry is scaling up quickly, with Sweden, Norway and Finland leading the way. The region offers good preconditions with access to clean, affordable energy, a strong manufacturing industry, and key skills and expertise. And Gothenburg, the region’s automotive capital, is fast becoming an important hub. Among other things, it is building up the entire value chain for electric vehicles.
Swedish battery maker Northvolt and Volvo Cars have joined forces and via Novo Energy are investing SEK 30 billion in Gothenburg in a state-of-the-art R&D facility and a new 50 GWh battery manufacturing plant. The plant will produce battery cells for use in Volvo and Polestar pure electric cars. It will be operational in 2026 and employ around 3,000 people.
“Gothenburg and West Sweden’s battery ecosystem is expanding quickly, and it will be a key enabler for making our automotive and transport industry more sustainable. Our region has become a hotspot for electrification, and we have very progressive brands headquartered and carrying out R&D here, including Polestar, Volvo Cars, the Volvo Group, Heart Aerospace and Stena Line,” says Joel Görsch, investment advisor for automotive and cleantech at Business Region Göteborg.
A second gigafactory on the way
He adds that the Volvo Group, which makes trucks, buses and construction equipment, has also announced plans to build a large-scale battery cell production plant in Mariestad, in western Sweden.
“There is a lot happening in our region and these large-scale production plants will be the foundation and a driving force for this new industry. Among other things, they are creating business and partnership opportunities and we are seeing more and more interest from international companies, including suppliers from Asia,” says Joel.
A unique opportunity to enter the European Li-ion market
In mid-March, Gothenburg took part in a Nordic collaboration, which had a pavilion and showcased the Nordic battery ecosystem at two major trade fairs in Asia: Battery Japan in Tokyo, and Inter Battery in Seoul, South Korea. The aim was to attract new actors to the value chain.
“The fast development of the Swedish battery value chain with new Lithium-ion cell production in Gothenburg, among other places, gives suppliers a unique opportunity to enter the European Li-ion market,” says Joel Görsch.
Business Region Göteborg is the official investment promotion agency of the Gothenburg region. If you are looking to join Gothenburg’s battery industry, we are here to help. We have the know-how and the know-who to accelerate your entry and get the most out of doing business in the region. Contact Joel Görsch to learn more (+46 31 367 61 11 | joel.gorsch@businessregion.se).
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