Two years after laying the cornerstone for the production facility, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre inaugurated Morrow Batteries, Europe’s first gigawatt-scale factory for Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. “This is a great day for Norway, a great day for industry, and a significant step in the green transition,” said Gahr Støre.

It was Bellona’s founder Frederic Hauge who started the work in 2015 with what is today the company Morrow Batteries. Jonas Gahr Støre used the inauguration speech to compliment Hauge.

I Have Learned a Lot from Frederic

“I have learned a lot about batteries from my good friend Frederic Hauge, who, as you know, is electrified. Hauge has taught me the importance of batteries for energy storage, and how crucial batteries are for solar and wind,” said the Prime Minister.

Morrow will produce up to 3 million lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, battery cells annually, equivalent to 1 GWh capacity. Test production at Morrow has already started, and the factory will work closely with customers to fine-tune the production equipment to achieve serial production quality in the coming months. The plan is to start commercial production by the end of the year.

Europe’s First Gigafactory

The facility is Europe’s first gigafactory for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries.

“This is an enormously important day in Norwegian industrial history and a testament to the bold vision and risk appetite of our founders and the commitment of our diverse team of Morrowers, which now consists of 200 individuals from 34 nationalities. Our achievements today would not have been possible without unwavering support from Arendal municipality, local and national authorities, and our dedicated shareholders. Together, we are paving the way for a sustainable energy future to make Europe more competitive and secure,” said Lars Christian Bacher, CEO of Morrow Batteries, in his speech.

“As a result of the efforts of many, Arendal has become the first city in Europe to host a gigawatt LFP factory, contributing jobs and value creation. We look forward to delivering the first commercial batteries to customers by the end of the year,” he added.

LFP Batteries

LFP batteries are rapidly becoming an important building block for a zero-emission society. They dominate battery energy storage systems, heavy machinery, and medium-sized electric vehicles. Since last November, Morrow has produced and shipped thousands of LFP sample cells to potential customers for testing and validation at the company’s Customer Qualification Line (CQL). In a press release, the company states that they now have a commercially viable, thoroughly tested, and competitive LFP product.

“Norway is particularly well-suited for battery production due to its process industry and material technology industrial track record, a long tradition of engineering and industrial innovation, abundant access to renewable power, and a work model that ensures competent and engaged employees,” writes Morrow in its release.

More than 366,000 work hours, or 200 full-time equivalents, were required to install the clean room, tools, and production equipment. During construction, 1,650 people underwent mandatory training in health, safety, and security. No accidents occurred during the construction or installation of equipment. The Morrow Cell Factory will employ around 150 and is the first of four factories planned in Arendal.