Elinor Batteries Produces First Battery Cells in Trondheim
Elinor Batteries, in partnership with SINTEF, has successfully manufactured its initial battery cells at the battery laboratory in Trondheim, marking a significant milestone towards establishing a sustainable battery industry in Mid-Norway.
Elinors A-sample LFP cell, produced in partnership with SINTEF in Trondheim
"This marks the first step in demonstrating our capacity to produce battery cells here in Norway. It is crucial not just for us but for everyone invested in building a battery industry in this region," stated Holger Gritzka, Product Director at Elinor Batteries.
Gritzka, accompanied by the company's new Vice President of Technology, Fengliu Lou, who brings extensive experience from Beyonder, one of Norway's major battery initiatives, views the production of these initial battery cells as a substantial achievement aligning with the company's plans to construct a battery factory in Orkland municipality.
"The batteries produced will undergo quality and performance tests at SINTEF's battery lab. The ongoing work from the test production initiated last autumn is providing valuable experience in battery production for Trondheim's battery environment," explained Lou.
A grand opportunity
Meanwhile, planning and development continue for the Eiktyr Industrial Park in Orkland, where Elinor Batteries aims to manufacture batteries for stationary energy storage. The demand for such batteries is projected to escalate rapidly in the coming years due to extensive electrification and renewable energy expansion worldwide.
Elinor is particularly focused on the European market, where the demand for sustainably produced electric energy storage solutions will surge.
"Batteries and energy storage play pivotal roles in climate transition and represent one of the decade's most substantial business opportunities. Hence, it's crucial to maintain the momentum, as we are doing now," emphasized Holger Gritzka. "We're investing substantial resources in this endeavor."
Crucial for SINTEF and Trøndelag
"The collaboration with Elinor Batteries has served as the first major test for both personnel and equipment in the pilot line for battery cell development that we launched at SINTEF Battery Lab in spring 2023. The milestone we're celebrating now reaffirms that our investment is providing the necessary knowledge in battery production that Elinor is aiming to scale," remarked Paul Inge Dahl, research leader at SINTEF.
Overall, central Norway is growing as a center of expertise on batteries. Both SINTEF and NTNU, along with several players in the business sector, are heavily invested in the battery market.
"Batteries represent a significant opportunity for Trøndelag, and we're gaining momentum. Elinor is a forward-thinking player contributing to motivate the entire region," shared Dahl.
Holger Gritzka and Fengliu Lou of Elinor, together with Paul Inge Dahl and Francis Kinyanjui of SINTEF, during the production of Elinors first batch of sample cells.
Potential to lead
Elinor Batteries is actively engaged in discussions with potential partners from various continents, underscoring the global potential for battery production in Norway.
"We have competitive electricity prices, access to renewable energy, and the research and education institutions in Trondheim backing us. We have a robust labor market region, and additionally, we have the space to implement circular and sustainable logistics and recycling solutions associated with the factory," said Arne Fredrik Lånke, Elinor Batteries' CEO.
"This significant step in the project is evidence that the energy transition is underway in Mid-Norway, showcasing the region's potential to become a leading player in sustainable battery production," concluded Lånke.
