NOK 1 billion awarded to four battery projects
Vianode in Telemark will receive a grant of NOK 350 million, Morrow in Agder will receive NOK 345 million, Cenate in Østfold will receive NOK 225 million, and Beyonder in Rogaland will receive NOK 75 million.
'Together, these grants represent the largest allocation we have ever made,' says Håkon Haugli.
The four companies will receive innovation grants for major battery projects as part of the initiative to develop Norway's battery value chain, in line with the ambitions set out in the Hurdal Platform and the government's Roadmap for a Green Industrial Initiative. In June 2023, an opportunity arose for Norway to participate as an associated country in the European battery initiative IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) EuBatIn. When presenting the 2024 National Budget, the Norwegian Parliament approved the establishment of an innovation grant scheme for major battery projects with a funding framework of NOK 1 billion.
'This is a milestone for Norway's battery initiative and the result of long-term, focused efforts. With this funding, we have put an important piece in place to enable forward-looking industries to establish themselves in Norway, support large-scale battery cell production in Norway and foster industrial activity across a complete battery value chain,' says Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre.
The four projects will now become part of the European battery value chain through associated participation in IPCEI EuBatIn.
'Participating in IPCEI gives us access to key European partners and markets, as well as the opportunity to take our battery initiative to new heights. We are well placed to contribute to Europe's battery initiative, with outstanding expertise in low-carbon manufacturing, process industries and recycling,' says Håkon Haugli.
We set high standards for grant recipients. Projects must demonstrate a high degree of innovation, industrial scalability, wider economic benefits, strong delivery capabilities, committed European collaboration and the lowest possible environmental impact. We received a total of seven applications. Each application underwent several rounds of assessment by external experts, as well as review by our decision-making bodies.
About IPCEI, Important Projects of Common European Interest
IPCEI is a key instrument of EU industrial policy and a state aid scheme designed to address market failures and fund pioneering innovation and infrastructure through large, strategically important collaborative projects involving countries and companies across the EEA. IPCEI aims to support the development of new products, services and production processes, as well as infrastructure that would not have been realised without state aid. It also aims to promote sustainable growth, increase employment and strengthen the global competitiveness of EEA countries. Projects must involve innovation that goes beyond the 'state of the art'. The Norwegian Government has given us responsibility for coordinating IPCEI activities in Norway.
About IPCEI EuBatIn and associated partnership
IPCEI EuBatIn was launched in 2021 as the second of two IPCEI initiatives in the battery sector. IPCEI EuBatIn has twelve member countries and 46 direct partners. It is open to new participants seeking status as an associated partner. IPCEI EuBatIn comprises four workstreams covering different parts of the value chain: 1) Raw and advanced materials, 2) Battery cells, 3) Battery systems and 4) Recycling and sustainability. The companies now receiving funding have been admitted as members of IPCEI EuBatIn.
Read the press releases about the different projects here:
- We support Cenate with NOK 22.5 million for battery project | Innovation Norway (ntb.no)
- We support Morrow Batteries with NOK 345 million for battery project | Innovation Norway (ntb.no)
- We support Vianode with NOK 350 million for battery project | Innovasjon Norge (ntb.no)
- We support Beyonder with NOK 75 million for battery project | Innovation Norway (ntb.no)