Norway joins joint European battery initiative
We are responsible for coordinating IPCEI in Norway. The aim is to develop a competitive, innovative and sustainable battery value chain in Europe. ‘Giving Norwegian companies the opportunity to participate in this IPCEI provides access to key European partners and markets. Norway has strong expertise in low-carbon manufacturing, the process industry and recycling. We are well placed to contribute to Europe’s major investment in batteries and to the development of green industry and green energy solutions,’ says Haugli.
Targeted government action
'The government has worked with a clear focus over the past 18 months to join IPCEI, Europe's battery initiative. The process is now under way. Yesterday, we informed Germany that we are ready to take part in further coordination at European level. This is good news for Norway's battery industry,' says Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre. In February, the Minister asked us to assess the level of interest among Norwegian battery companies. Germany is coordinating the joint initiative.
Five Norwegian companies applied to take part: Beyonder, Cenate, Hydro, Morrow and Vianode.
IPCEI is particularly important
The acronym stands for 'Important Projects of Common European Interest'. It is a key instrument in the EU's industrial policy. Through IPCEIs, member states collaborate on projects in strategically important value chains and may depart from state aid rules for highly innovative cross-border projects of particular strategic importance.
'Norway will lead the way in developing green technology and sustainable solutions. But we do not need to, and should not, do everything alone. By joining Europe's battery initiative, we can accelerate battery development and give Norwegian companies the opportunity to take their ambitions to new heights,' says Vestre.
'We see batteries as vital to Norway's future. There is also significant Nordic cooperation to develop the entire value chain, from raw materials to ready-to-use battery packs,' says Håkon Haugli. 'This opens up opportunities for Norwegian battery companies, for Norwegian exports and access to European markets, and for developing a climate-friendly, future-oriented battery value chain in Europe.'
