Beyonder chooses Norway for its first large-scale battery venture.
The Rogaland duo strengthens Norway's position in the World Cup on green large-scale industrial establishments. This became clear during a press conference at Haugaland Industrial Park on Monday 4th of April. Beyonder wants to keep its battery production in Norway, based on the government's signals of a major investment in battery, increased exports and electricity to the industry.
From left: Host mayor in Tysvær municipality Sigmund Lier (AP), CEO and founder of Beyonder Svein Kvernstuen and general manager of Haugaland Næringspark Tiril Fjeld.
Beyonder is developing its own technology for sustainable battery cells, based on, among other things, active carbon from Norwegian sawdust. The battery cells are particularly well suited for power-intensive manufacturing and transport with a need for high power. Beyonder is currently located at Forus in Rogaland, where they have established a small-scale production line. Today, they are taking a big step forward in their plans for large-scale battery cell production.
– We have made no secret of the fact that we have assessed foreign locations for our large-scale factory. But with clear signals from the Government that they want to ensure internationally competitive framework conditions for large-scale battery cell production, everything is in place for us to reach the world championships here from Norway," says Svein Kvernstuen, Founder and CEO of Beyonder.
Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland is pleased that Beyonder is now looking towards Norway for its full-scale production. The step-by-step factory development will already create between 500-600 direct jobs in an otherwise industry heavy region of Haugalandet. Full scale factory, with up to 10 production lines, will create around 2,000 direct jobs. In addition, you have all the jobs created in the construction period, and the establishment of supplier industry and other rip-off effects for local businesses.
– For an industry by heart kind of guy, I am very happy that the industry is turning its attention to Norway. We will facilitate long-term, good, safe conditions and ensure industry investments in Norway, says Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland.
For Beyonder, it has been important to find a location with an established industrial muscle that can support an overall industry scale establishment. They found that in the Haugalandet region.
– Beyonder wants synergies with existing industry and upcoming establishments in the park. It is a great advantage that the region has a lot of industrial expertise and good educational institutions in relevant fields. Industry solutions, zoned industrial areas, and sustainable logistics solutions both on land and at sea, are essential to our further progress, says COO at Beyonder, Steinar Lea.
Tiril Fjeld, managing director of Haugaland Industrial Park, believes that the agreement sends signals that the industrial park is now entering a new phase. They have spent 20 years on development, zoning and heavy investments in infrastructure, including establishing their own deepwater quay and port.
– It is a pleasure to welcome Beyonder as the first large-scale industrial establishment in Norway's largest zoned industrial area. As the first major player, they will have an impact on the further development of the park. We have room for more people in the battery value chain, but other industries are also warmly welcome. Beyonder will be one of many who will participate in the world championships from Haugaland Industrial Park, and we are very pleased with that, says Fjeld.
