Innovation Norway, a business support agency, has allocated Nkr995 million ($92 million) to support four domestic battery projects. This funding aims to foster innovation within the Norwegian and European battery value chain.
Håkon Haugli, CEO of Innovation Norway, noted that this allocation marks the agency’s largest funding effort to date. The initiative falls under the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) scheme. The supported projects include:
- Morrow Batteries, focused on LNMO technology development.
- Vianode, dedicated to advancing anode graphite solutions.
- Beyonder, specializing in high-power sodium-ion cell innovation.
- Cenate, working on silicon-based materials to substitute graphite in lithium-ion batteries.
Additionally, Norway has formed a strategic industrial partnership with the European Union, emphasizing raw materials and batteries. Industry minister Jan Christian Vestre highlighted Norway’s collaboration in developing EU policies and regulations as a key aspect of this partnership. Norway’s involvement is facilitated through its association with EFTA.
Meanwhile, the Swedish Energy Agency has introduced and funded a new networking group called the Battery Arena. This initiative aims to bolster Sweden and the Nordics’ position as leaders in the global battery industry. The Battery Arena will serve as a platform for collaboration among industry players, academia, policymakers, and other stakeholders.