FREYR signs framework agreement with the German battery technology expert umlaut
FREYR has signed a framework agreement with the consulting company umlaut for services related to concept development, planning and project management for the lithium battery cell factory in Mo i Rana, Norway, with targeted construction start in 2021.
“We will ensure top quality in every stage of production at our planned battery cell facilities. umlaut is a global battery technology specialist based in the core automotive nation of Germany. By bringing them into our project, we are building an even stronger team to execute our plan”, says Chief Operating Officer Einar Kilde in FREYR.
The framework agreement includes services for production technology, design of lithium battery cells, energy optimisation and specifications for factory machinery. umlaut is an independent, international technology consulting company with a big footprint in eMobility and especially battery topics
“The global market for EV batteries continues to grow steadily while the corresponding value and supply chains are optimized almost on a daily basis. Production plants for battery cells are becoming more and more fully automated and Asian manufacturers are operating their first production facilities in Europe - close to their customers. FREYR has understood the advantages and optimization potential of European cell production and scores with its location and the implementation of a smart factory concept to be a credible player in the market. Our initial discussions with FREYR’s team were inspiring and fruitful. We are looking forward to be part of this success story” says Sören Schrader, Partner at umlaut.
The value chain is firming up for FREYR
FREYR has signed framework agreements with among others Norconsult, Rambøll and Metier OEC for various projects tied to the construction of Norway’s first battery cell factory in Mo I Rana.
“Freyr’s value chain from raw materials to the finished product is firming up. In addition to the already signed, initial raw material and technology agreements for minerals, chemicals and equipment, we have established construction project management with highly respected consulting companies”, says Kilde.
FREYR signed an agreement in late 2019 with Siemens as a system integrator and supplier of digital optimisation solutions. In addition, FREYR has scientific partners such as SINTEF and NTNU on its team, and recently FREYR entered a letter of intent agreement with Helgeland Kraft for the delivery of renewable energy to the planned battery cell pilot plant.
“In spite of the Covid-19 crisis we remain on track and our focus is shifting to the construction phase. These are exciting times”, says Kilde.
Excellent conditions for battery cell production in Norway are attracting international partners and employees
In April 2019, FREYR announced its ambition to build large scale battery cell facilities in Norway. The planned facilities could become one of the largest in Europe and will produce lithium-ion battery cells (LIB), with a business model based on deep technology partnerships, leveraging best available and emerging technologies.
“100% renewable energy at globally competitive prices, deep expertise in energy intensive and process industries, a stable and well-regulated high quality labour market, a solid outlook for raw material supplies in the Nordic countries, and close proximity to the market has made and will continue to make Norway a global leader in green, energy-intensive industries”, says CEO Tom Einar Jensen in FREYR.
In February, FREYR recruited Ryuta Kawaguchi from Japan as Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Kawaguchi had previously been responsible for battery solutions at Dyson’s EV venture. He has also held various leadership positions in Nissan, managing development of battery technology for Nissan Leaf and other EV models.
“We have several ongoing partner and recruitment processes. There is international competition for both technology partnerships and battery experts, but we are attracting excellent partner companies and candidates based on our ambitions. This is due to FREYR’s concept and business model combined with favourable conditions for battery cell production in Norway. FREYR will announce new partnerships and recruitments going forward, supporting our ambition to start construction of our initial facility in 2021”, says Jensen.
About umlaut
umlaut is a global, full-service, cross-industry, end-to-end company that offers advisory and fulfilment services to clients all over the world. Their interdisciplinary capabilities enables them to add value, quality and focus to their organizations and produce. They are an able and agile group of consultancies and engineering firms. 4,500 specialized experts and engineers provide innovative solutions across all industries and their various intersections as well as serving the public sector and developing organizational cultures, structures and processes. They are key partner to the growing battery business along its entire value chain with their unique end-to-end service. For more information, visit the home page: https://www.umlaut.com
About FREYR
FREYR is a Norwegian company planning 2+32 GWh lithium-ion based battery cell facilities and a 600 MW wind park in the municipalities of Rana and Nesna in Nordland, Norway. The company will supply battery cells to the rapidly growing market for electric vehicles in Europe, as well as supplying other rapidly growing markets within stationary storage marine and aviation application segments through cluster-based R&D initiatives with leading Norwegian, European and other international institutions and companies. For more information, see the home page at: freyrbattery.com
Contact details
FREYR AS:
Tom Einar Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, tom.jensen@freyrbattery.com
Hilde Rønningsen, Director of Communications, hilde.ronningsen@freyrbattery.com
FREYR is a Norwegian company planning 2+32 GWh lithium-ion based battery cell facilities and a 600 MW wind park in the municipalities of Rana and Nesna in Nordland, Norway. The company will supply battery cells to the rapidly growing market for electric vehicles in Europe, as well as supplying other rapidly growing markets within stationary storage marine and aviation application segments through cluster-based R&D initiatives with leading Norwegian, European and other international institutions and companies. For more information, see the home page at: freyrbattery.com
