Brexit: George Eustice grilled over French fishing licences
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Amid Boris Johnson’s goals to create a green economy, the UK has the potential to be at the forefront of electrification and solid-battery production, according to a British start-up.
Such is the Government’s intent to become a world leader, British Volt, which was founded in 2019, is set to build the country’s first complete gigafactory.
The gigafacotry will be based in Blyth, Northumberland, thus achieving Mr Johnson’s green ambitions and levelling up agenda.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Ben Kilbey, chief communication officer for the organisation insisted the UK is primed to become a “powerhouse” in the industry.
He said: “Solid-state technology is in its infancy but it is the holy grail.
“The UK could become a global battery powerhouse in the industry.”
Indeed, British Volt is part of a seven-member consortium to develop state-of-the-art solid-state battery technology.
In combination with institutes such as Oxford University and the Faraday Institution, the group hopes to move the technology to a point whereby it could be used on a mass scale for electric vehicles.
Mr Kilbey added: “We aim to partner with academia to make sure the UK is at the vanguard of electrification.
“It’s very possible the UK will be at the forefront of the industry if we act now.
“UK plc has the opportunity to be at the forefront of electricity and technological advancement.
“It will put us in the middle of the global battery map.”
In order to aid the company, the Financial Times reports the Government will agree at least £200million for the £2.6billion gigafactory in Blyth.
Within the Budget on Wednesday, Rishi Sunak also announcement a bumper package of investment for the electrification of vehicles.
Indeed, £817million will be used for the electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains, to support investment in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing, gigafactories and the electric vehicle supply chain.
This comes as part of the £1.4billion Global Investment Fund.
A solid-state battery has a higher energy density than a lithium-ion battery.
As it doesn’t use an electrolyte solution, there are lower chances of explosions or fires.
The battery can also increase energy density per unit, needs less charge than conventional batteries and has a longer lifespan than its predecessors.
If the UK continues with its development and goals in the industry, it will aid Britain in achieving the Government’s green goals and net-zero target by 2050.
Mr Kilbey concluded: “If we don’t act now to create the green economy, to create gigafactories, it will be a wasted opportunity.
“The industry will go to where the batteries are made.
“You’ll be losing the automotive industry and anything associated with it.”
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