Dundee named as 'preferred' site for battery production megafactory creating over 200 jobs

Dundee has been named as the “preferred” site for a megafactory producing batteries for the UK’s renewable energy and electric vehicles.

AMTE Power announced the proposal to establish the manufacturing site after its board approved a new execution strategy.

The developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells said the plan was a “strong stepping stone towards building gigafactories in the future”.

The new megafactory, which will require investment of between £160m and £190m, is predicted to create up to 215 high skilled on-site jobs and 800 more across the supply chain.

It will also will allow the firm to produce high-value battery cells quicker in order to meet growing demands – with the intended capacity allowing for the production of more than 25,000 batteries per day.

The proposed new site at Dundee’s Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc will complement the company’s existing facility in Thurso, Caithness.

The 0.5GWh plant could be operational and in production by the end of 2025.

Scottish business minister Ivan McKee said the move would align with the Scottish Government’s aims to “strengthen Scotland’s position in new markets and industries as a leader in zero emission mobility”.

CEO of AMTE Power, Kevin Brundish, said: “Battery cells are fundamental to enabling the UK’s energy transition and with this investment, we will play a key role in electrifying the vehicles, homes and industries of the future.

“The site at Dundee is the ideal location for a MegaFactory, it has the local industry knowledge and is close to our current and future customers in energy storage. We look forward to updating all stakeholders on our progress.”

McKee added: “The Scottish Government welcomes the news that AMTE Power has selected Dundee as the preferred site for its first Mega Factory.

“Battery technology is critical to many sectors – from transport to industry – in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Today’s announcement builds on AMTE’s current presence in Thurso and has the potential to deliver hundreds of additional sustainable, green jobs, aligning with the Scottish Government’s aims to strengthen Scotland’s position in new markets and industries as a leader in zero emission mobility, generating new, well-paid jobs from a just transition to net zero.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work alongside our Enterprise Agencies and local partners to help support AMTE in progressing their plans.”

Councillor John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “We want to be at the forefront of new technologies. We want to have a workforce with the right skills for future needs. And, ultimately, we want to create sustainable employment for local people.

“We look forward to working closely with local and national partners to help progress AMTE’s plans and secure this major investment in Dundee.”