The company hoping to build a 3,000-job ‘gigafactory’ in Northumberland has signed a deal with three North East universities that could see its key research and development work done in the North East.
The agreement between Britishvolt and Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria universities aims to bring the company’s R&D work to the region in the long term.
Britishvolt’s R&D centre is currently in the West Midlands, but it is hoped the Memorandum of Understanding with the three universities will bring that work north.
Britishvolt wants to establish a factory making batteries for electric vehicles at a site close to Blyth. The proposed development could create thousands of jobs both in the factory and its supply chain, but the company has to raise more than £1bn to realise its ambitions.
Dr Allan Paterson, Britishvolt’s chief technology officer, said: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with three of the North East’s leading universities, helping us to explore collaborative R&D opportunities looking at future technology advancement and assist in building out the required skills needed to further the 海角视频’s battery industry.
“Alongside the universities we are hoping to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by familiarising themselves with battery technology and the Britishvolt project.”
Britishvolt has bought the former coal yards of the old Blyth Power Station and applied for planning permission for its factory. It is hoping to begin construction on the plant later this year and begin production by the end of 2023.
Prof Chris Day, vice-chancellor and president of Newcastle University, said: “Newcastle University carries out internationally leading battery research in everything from fundamental material science, through battery recycling and safety, to energy systems integration.
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“This vital research into energy storage is pivotal for meeting the country’s net-zero commitments and I’m delighted that with these strengths in science and research we’re working with Britishvolt to ensure they can access the skills required to build the 海角视频’s first battery gigafactory here in the North East.”
Prof Stuart Corbridge, vice-chancellor of Durham University: “Britishvolt’s commitment to North East England is very positive, and a further boost as we seek to lead the 海角视频’s economic revival through and following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Durham University undertakes internationally leading research in areas including energy generation, storage, networks and conversion and we’re excited to work with Britishvolt and other North East universities to power up our region’s recovery.”
Professor Andrew Wathey, vice-chancellor and chief executive at Northumbria University, said: “Britishvolt has made a hugely significant commitment to the region that will create high value jobs and economic opportunity.
“Northumbria offers world-leading research in areas such as physical and electrical engineering, energy materials and battery technology and we are looking forward to using these strengths within this partnership to help put the region at the forefront of renewable energy and sustainable transport on a global scale.”
Last week Universities 海角视频 published research showing the economic impact of universities both nationally and in the North East, arguing that universities should be at the heart of the economic and social recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.