Somerset celebrates 'momentous day' as Gigafactory plans are confirmed
Agratas has confirmed it'll be investing billions of pounds into the Gravity Smart Campus site in Puriton, near Bridgwater
Somerset could very soon become the UK's largest producer of electric vehicle (EV) batteries - with the leader of the council describing plans to build a gigafactory as a 'momentous' step forward, 'and of global significance'.
Today (28 February), it has been announced Agratas - part of Tata Group - will start to write to local residents around Bridgwater to confirm its plans to make EV batteries at the Gravity Smart Campus site.
It's thanks to £4 billion worth of investment, which is hoped to create up to 4,000 jobs 'and many more as part of the supply chain'.
Somerset Council say it will put the county 'at the centre of the UK’s green energy revolution with the potential to kick-start countywide and regional economic growth and jobs'.
'We are committed to making this work for Somerset'
Councillor Bill Revans said: “This is momentous for the County, its economy and for future generations. It’s about seizing an incredible opportunity to be at the heart of the UK’s green energy industry that will create thousands of highly-skilled, well-paid, green jobs.
“Agratas’ huge investment in the County has the potential to transform the local and regional economy.”
He added that the Council’s experience with Hinkley Point C makes it uniquely well-placed to support the development of the site.
“Together with Hinkley Point C and businesses like Leonardo, it shows that modern Somerset is leading the way in exciting, high-tech industry and puts us firmly on the international trade map.
“We are committed to making this work for Somerset, its residents and our business community. We know how to deliver significant projects and work with communities to maximise the benefits of investment into our County.”
Under the plans, it's hoped the plant will be up and running in the second half of this decade.
It's hoped it'll eventually have the capacity to build 40GWh of battery cells every year, which is enough to supply about half a million passenger vehicles.
Once fully operational, the factory is set to be Britain’s biggest battery factory, and one of the largest in Europe.
Over the next five years, the authority say plans will be put in place to invest in the infrastructure, skills, site access and connectivity needed to make sure Somerset benefits as much as possible from Agratas’ investment.
This will be paid for by the Business Rates generated by the factory once it is operational.
The Council and Government are finalising an ‘in principle’ agreement for support, which will enable this massive long-term economic boost to the County to happen without extra cost to the Council and with no negative impact on the Council and its finances.
'A very important day for the British car industry'
Councillor Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s Executive Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, said: “This a very important day for the British car industry and our vision for Somerset. This puts Somerset on the map and sets out a bright future for our residents.
“This investment will create thousands of skilled jobs in the green power industry that will bring a myriad of economic benefits to the County.
“Agratas and the Council will be working with local colleges to deliver the comprehensive workforce and skills solution, including strategic links to other training and academic institutions, to help deliver the specialist skills needed for this project, and to maximise the opportunities for local people and businesses.”
Investment Minister Lord Dominic Johnson said: “This is fantastic news for Somerset, and will create 4,000 direct jobs plus thousands more in the wider supply chain.
“We’re committed to making the UK one of the very best places in the world for automotive investment, and Tata Group’s decision to build its gigafactory here shows once again that this government’s plan for the car industry is working.”
The Council’s Corporate and Resources Scrutiny committee will be asked to comment on the plans when it meets on the 7 March 2024, and then, the Executive will then take decisions on the 12 March, including on the principle of the financial approach.
Early in the next financial year the Council expects to take further decisions through Full Council, including further details about the investment and how it will be funded.