Tata Group’s plans to build a £4bn Somerset gigafactory have been verified by Somerset Council, in a move that will position the county as one of Europe’s leading EV battery production hubs.
The Somerset gigafactory will generate thousands of highly skilled jobs in the region, provide a range of economic benefits, and produce enough batteries for around half a million EVs.
The batteries manufactured at Tata’s gigafactory will power the vehicles of the company’s subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), one of the automotive industry’s leading manufacturers.
The gigafactory will be developed at the Gravity Smart Campus site in Puriton and is scheduled to start operations in the second half of the decade.
Agratas, a new business within the Tata Group, has now written to thousands of residents in the local area to outline the plans.
Somerset Councillor Bill Revans explained the significance of the gigafactory to the area: “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.”
How the Somerset Gigafactory will become one of Europe’s leading battery production sites
The gigafactory is expected to start production in 2026 and will produce high-quality, high-performance, sustainable batteries to reinforce EV battery supply chains.
Tata plans to use 100% clean energy to power the gigafactory and utilise innovative recycling methods to recover and reuse battery materials, creating a circular process.
The investment will create around 4,000 jobs and many more as part of the wider supply chain, bringing a host of economic benefits to Somerset.
Once operational, the gigafactory will manufacture 40GWh of battery cells annually – enough to power around 500,000 electric vehicles.
Earlier last year, when plans for the gigafactory started circulating, Prime Minister Rishi Runak said: “Tata group’s decision to build their new gigafactory here in the UK – their first outside of India – is a huge vote of confidence in Britain.
“This will be one of the largest ever investments in the UK automotive sector. It will not only create thousands of skilled jobs for Britons around the country, but it will also strengthen our lead in the global transition to electric vehicles, helping to grow our economy in clean industries of the future.”
Why Somerset?
Councillor Revans explained that he believes the council’s experience with Hinkley Point C uniquely positions Somerset to host the gigafactory.
“Together with Hinkley Point C and businesses like Leonardo, it shows that modern Somerset is leading the way in the 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 in our county.”
The council is planning to invest in infrastructure, skills, site access and connectivity over the next five years that will make the Somerset gigafactory a success.
The council and government are finalising a preliminary agreement for support, facilitating a significant long-term economic boost to the county at no additional cost to the council and without adverse financial impacts.
The Corporate and Resources Scrutiny Committee of the council will review the plans on 7 March, 2024. Subsequently, decisions will be made by the Executive on 12 March, including those regarding the financial approach.
