Plans are submitted for an electric car battery gigafactory at Coventry Airport, potentially creating up to 6,000 new jobs.
Proposals put forward in February will face a vote later this year by Coventry City Council and Warwick District Council.
The blueprint, put forward by the city council and Coventry Airport Ltd, will boost the economy in the West Midlands. At a proposed size of 5.7 million sq ft, the factory could attract investment of £2bn. Although it will need investors rom the private sector.
If plans are approved, the plant could start operating by 2025. The factory will have the ability to recycle old batteries as well as build new ones. Power will come from 1000% green energy.
According to the leader of Coventry City Council, George Duggins, the submission of the plans is the “next important step” in the drive to bring the production of batteries to the area. He believes it is the ideal location for the gigafactory because there is a high presence of UK automotive industry. The city also has “world-leading research in battery technology”, as it is home to the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street says securing a gigafactory in the region is “mission critical” to safeguarding the economy, key industry and the “future of our planet”.
A representative from the trade union Unite says members battled for the factory to come to Coventry. Now the government need to get on board so everyone can work together to get the gigafactory up and running. The new plant is “another step forward” for the country in electric car battery production.
What is a gigafactory?
- Gigafactories produce electric car batteries
- The UK does not currently have any, but they exist in other countries, for example by Tesla in the US
- As well as the proposals in Coventry, there are plans for a gigafactory in Northumberland, potentially creating 3,000 skilled jobs
- Car manufacturer Nissan plan for a £1bn electric vehicle hub in Sunderland. This includes a gigafactory, production of a new all-electric car model, and battery recycling facilities
- Jaguar Land Rover, whose headquarters are next to the proposed Coventry site, plan to be an all-electric brand by 2025
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