ISG to build UK’s first gigafactory

Commercial buildings contractor ISG has been selected to build the UK’s first gigafactory in Blyth, Northumberland.

Construction work will start on the £2.6 billion (€2.9 billion) battery facility next year, with completion set for the end of 2023.

The gigafactory’s developer is battery technology company Britishvolt, which says it aims to be producing 300,000 lithium-ion batteries by 2027 and will directly provide some 3,000 jobs.

Using only renewable energy – potentially including hydro-electric power generated in Norway – the plant will be located on the 95-hectare site of a former coal-fired power station.

ISG has a history of providing building services for technology-driven production applications, including data centres and science hubs, with the company currently working on a neuroscience centre for the UK’s University College.

Britishvolt CEO, Orral Nadjari, said, “We’re delighted to have engaged ISG as the construction partner for our Blyth gigaplant. Its long expertise of delivering global projects will be crucial to meeting our exacting standards and tight timeframe.

“Especially key is that ISG’s frontline team delivered Jaguar Land Rover’s production facility in Nitra, Slovakia, giving Britishvolt hugely relevant and recent experience in delivering large-scale projects such as ours.

“Our gigaplant project is now on track in every key area: construction, product development, funding and a high-level of customer engagement for our world-class lithium-ion batteries. We will be production ready at the end of 2023. It’s essential that we are ready to power the future as quickly as possible.”

ISG CEO, Paul Cossell, said, “This landmark project to build the UK’s first gigaplant is one of the most visible signs that we are confidently stepping up to meet the challenge of new zero emissions by 2050 and closely aligned with the government’s key commitment to cease petrol and diesel car manufacturing by 2030.

“The construction phase alone will directly support thousands of jobs in the North East and create a wealth of training and upskilling opportunities for local communities. The legacy of this major investment will benefit the region for generations to come.”