Tata’s £4bn Battery Factory Set to Thrive in Somerset
The UK’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility will be established on a brownfield site near Bridgwater in Somerset, according to Jaguar Land Rover-owner Tata. The £4 billion investment will create a gigafactory expected to generate 4,000 jobs and additional employment opportunities in the supply chain. Tata’s battery subsidiary, Agratas, will build its first outside India factory at the Gravity Smart Campus in Puriton, formerly a World War Two Royal Ordnance Factory. The site, spanning approximately six to seven million square feet, will be a pivotal player in the UK’s push towards electric vehicles, with battery production set to commence in 2026.
Agratas aims to contribute nearly half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector by the early 2030s. The factory is anticipated to produce 40 GWh of battery cells annually, enough to supply around 500,000 passenger vehicles. The location, just 15.3 miles from the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, positions it strategically within the region.
The gigafactory will be among the largest in Europe, initially serving Jaguar Land Rover vehicles and supplying other automakers. Additionally, the facility will engage in the production of commercial energy storage solutions. This significant development has been met with enthusiasm in Somerset, with expectations to drive economic growth and position the region at the forefront of the green revolution in electric vehicles. Local communities are actively involved in the project, with Agratas establishing communication channels and seeking input from residents as part of its commitment to community engagement.
Local leaders, educational institutions, and businesses alike have praised the confirmation of the site and the job creation. The gigafactory is perceived as a catalyst for the electric vehicle revolution in the UK, bringing forth a transformative wave in the automotive and green energy sectors. The positive impact on the local workforce and the potential for sustainable, well-paid jobs are significant contributors to the region’s economic prosperity.
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