Battery maker Britishvolt powers Cambois factory plans with Indonesian nickel deal

A company behind 3000-job vehicle battery factory plans has signed an international low-carbon supply deal.

Britishvolt is working with VKTR to develop greener supplies of nickel sulphate.

Bosses say the partnership – described as a memorandum of understanding – will help fuel production of automotive powerpacks at its plant in Cambois, near Blyth, Northumberland.

The factory is earmarked to open on the old Blyth power station site in 2024, with officials saying it has the potential to create 3000 direct jobs and up to 5000 supply chain posts by making around 300,000 batteries every year.

According to the terms of its alliance with VKTR – a division of Bakrie Autoparts, itself a part of Bakrie & Brothers – the duo will look at establishing a nickel sulphate plant in Indonesia.

Furthermore, under the INDOVOLT BV VKTR joint venture, bosses say they will work on increasing supply security for nickel through to sulphate conversion in line with Britishvolt’s environmental, social and governance standards.

And they have also committed to a study that will focus on the potential for a battery making plant in Indonesia.

Orral Nadjari, Britishvolt chief executive and founder, said: “Indonesia has enormous, unprecedented potential that will see global investment flow into the country as it aims to become a world-leader on the international battery stage.

“I am delighted to be part of Indonesia’s journey to net-zero, and I look forward to seeing the outcome of this partnership.”

Anindya Bakrie, chairman and founder of Bakrie Centre Foundation, and chairman of the supervisory board at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added: “VKTR is looking forward to collaborating with Britishvolt to develop a greener battery manufacturing supply chain.”