The announcement that Britishvolt has chosen Blyth as the site of the UK's first ever battery gigaplant is incredibly positive news for our local area. The gigaplant will produce lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles and is expected to start manufacturing in 2023.
This investment is not only the largest in the North East since Nissan in 1984, but is actually one of the largest ever investments in the region. The project is expected to create 3000 local jobs, with up to 5000 more in the supply chain.
By 2027, the plant is expected to produce 300,000 batteries a year as part of the UK's plans to move away from diesel and petrol cars in favour of electric vehicles.
I am delighted that Britishvolt has chosen the North East as the site for such an exciting project. This is a fantastic opportunity for our region and I have no doubt that this investment and the jobs it will create will be hugely positive for the Hexham constituency.