Norway has become the latest Nordic country to strengthen Europe’s green technology ambitions, as Morrow Batteries in Arendal begins producing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to reduce reliance on Chinese electric vehicle supply chains, according to Politico.
The company is majority-owned by renewable energy group Å Energi and was founded in 2020 together with ABB, Siemens, Danish pension fund PKA and Norwegian investment firm Nysnø. Backed by the Norwegian government and the European Union, Morrow has started manufacturing LFP batteries for energy storage and defense, with plans to expand into electric vehicle production. Three new facilities are scheduled to open by 2029.
China’s rapid adoption of LFP batteries has helped brands like BYD and SAIC dominate the global electric vehicle market, outpacing European and U.S. rivals. LFP batteries are cheaper, more sustainable and longer-lasting than the nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries still widely used in Europe, though they offer shorter driving ranges. Industry experts view Norway’s investment as a key step for Europe to secure its electric vehicle supply chains.
Norway’s role is particularly significant given its position as a global leader in electric vehicle adoption. In 2023, nine out of ten cars sold in the country were electric, and the government aims for all new sales to be zero-emission by the end of 2024.
