Urgent Action Needed: Why the UK Must Attract Global Battery Manufacturers, According to Expert Richard Moore
The UK is facing a critical challenge when it comes to securing a supply of battery cells to meet the growing demand for electric energy use and storage. Richard Moore, a battery strategy expert at Greenpower Park, emphasizes the urgent need for the next government to take action to attract global battery manufacturers to the UK.
Currently, the UK only has one operational gigafactory producing up to 6GWh of energy per year. However, the demand for battery cells is expected to skyrocket in the coming years, with the automotive industry alone requiring 100GWh per annum by 2030 and doubling to 200GWh by 2040. This poses a significant risk to the security of energy supply in the country if action is not taken promptly.
Drawing parallels from the UK’s response to the steel supply crisis in the 1940s and 50s, Moore highlights the importance of ramping up supplies to meet demand. Just as the government intervened and nationalized steel mills to ensure a ‘security of supply’ back then, similar actions need to be taken now to secure battery cell supply for the future.
To address this challenge, Moore proposes three key solutions. Firstly, the UK needs to demonstrate its competitive edge in terms of skilled workforce and training programs to attract global manufacturers. Secondly, the country must prioritize green energy sources to remain competitive in the global market. Lastly, fiscal incentives need to be laid out to entice global cell suppliers to invest in the UK.
Greenpower Park, as the UK’s Centre of Electrification and Clean Energy, plays a crucial role in this endeavor. With its focus on battery technology and manufacturing, the park aims to foster the country’s growing battery ecosystem and attract global investors. By deploying these solutions in parallel and working together, the UK can catch up fast and compete with the rest of the world in the electric energy revolution.
In conclusion, Moore stresses the importance of learning from history and acting with urgency to secure a supply of battery cells for the future. By investing in startups, offering fiscal incentives, and guaranteeing green energy sources, the UK can achieve a ‘security of supply’ and power the future of electrification and clean energy. It’s time for the UK government and stakeholders to take action and ensure a sustainable and secure energy future for the country.