- Construction began in June 2018 on a 500,000 square meter site.
- The factory aims to deliver its first cells in 2021.
- The facility will produce cathode material for cell electrodes.
- The design includes two upstream halls and four downstream halls.
Project Overview
Construction has commenced on Northvolt Ett, a significant lithium-ion battery factory located in Skellefteå, Sweden. The project, which began site preparation in June 2018, has now entered the full construction phase with the first structural steel columns raised.
Site Preparation
The 500,000 square meter site underwent extensive preparation, including land clearing, leveling, and pouring of concrete foundations. The site now features numerous concrete footings and infrastructure installations, with trenches marking the future layout of the factory halls.
Construction Progress
Initial construction activities included the erection of three columns and one truss, each over 35 meters in height and weighing over 12 tonnes. Within weeks, additional columns and trusses were installed, marking significant progress in the structural framework of the factory.
Factory Design
Northvolt Ett's design includes two upstream halls for active material production and four larger downstream halls for the majority of manufacturing steps. The facility will produce cathode material for cell electrodes, with raw materials processed into a slurry for further downstream processing.
Manufacturing Process
The downstream halls will handle critical manufacturing steps for anode and cathode electrodes, including slurry mixing, electrode coating, drying, pressing, and slitting. The final assembly involves winding layers of anode, cathode, and separator into bundles, which are then inserted into aluminum cans, filled with electrolyte, and sealed.
Automation and Future Plans
The factory will feature extensive automation, including hundreds of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and a digital data model for process optimization. The first cells are expected to be delivered in 2021, marking a significant milestone in Europe's electrification efforts.
