Southern Europe’s largest gigafactory to be developed in Italy
Italian startup Italvolt is set to transform a former factory in Piedmont in a €3.4 billion project to construct one of Europe’s largest gigafactories – and the first in Italy.
The creation of the first gigafactory in Italy is a historic step for southern Europe. This is the largest industrial investment in Italy in modern times, with a capacity up to 45 GWh, aiming to supply the European automotive industry with green sustainable batteries.
Italvolt agreed the purchase of around 250 acres of land in Scarmagno, Piedmont, in northwest Italy with the current owner Prelios Sgr and intends to build a 300,000m2 factory, as well as a 20,000m2 research and development centre. The company said that compliance with ESG and sustainability criteria are essential elements of the project.
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Once fully operational, the facility – to be built on the site of a former Olivetti factory – is expected to produce batteries with a total output of some 45 GWh per year.
Italvolt says the site is well located, being close to the manufacturing hubs of major industrial and automotive brands, including CNH Industrial, Fiat, Maserati and Pininfarina.
The next step for Italvolt is to obtain building permits by the beginning of 2022 so work can start in the second half of the year.
Pininfarina's Architecture Division will design a new generation industrial plant with a strong focus on environmental and social impact, integrated into the economic and social fabric of the region. The investment is estimated at €3.4 billion.
CEO and founder of Italvolt, Lars Carlstrom, said: “The agreement with Prelios Sgr represents a crucial step in the implementation plan of our gigafactory project. We are delighted to have concluded the purchase of the land with input from local authorities."
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“In recent months they have made a significant contribution to the promotion of Italvolt’s project. The decommissioned site offers excellent potential to restore the local industrial heritage, offering jobs and environmental improvements."
He added that the agreement will pave the way for new industrial initiatives dedicated to battery production. "To achieve the challenging goal, set by the European Commission, to complete the transition towards a zero-emission automotive industry by 2035, it is necessary to accelerate battery production, and Italvolt is ready to do its part.”
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