The construction of Northvolt’s battery gigafactory Northvolt Drei has started in Heide, Germany.

The gigafactory will use renewable energy from wind power accessible in the region, delivering on Northvolt’s mission to mass produce the 'world’s greenest batteries for the automotive, industrial and energy sectors'.

The industrial complex is planned to employ roughly 3,000 people with a maximum annual production capacity of 60 GWh, commencing first operations in 2026.

Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany said: “Investments such as that of Northvolt are of strategic importance for our country and for Europe.”

Peter Carlsson, CEO and Co-Founder of Northvolt added: “It’s great to get this show on the road. We are deeply grateful for the support from customers, investors and public stakeholders to create this flagship project for the global climate transition.”

The firm says hiring for the Northvolt Drei gigafactory has already begun, with recent polling shows that 80% of local community members are positive towards the project.