Investments in the battery industry require exceptionally fast action. We help implement European battery projects step by step in an efficient and sustainable way.

The phasing of a battery project differs from other industrial investments in that the development phase of the project and the construction time are usually considerably shorter. There is no time for a decade of brainstorming, development and planning, as a ready-made market and accelerating demand require a massive increase in production capacity here and now.

We support investments in the battery industry step by step. The experience of our consultants should be utilised already in early preliminary studies. It does not bind the customer to anything. We will help the project move forward confidentially and impartially. We also have the nerve to propose a time-out if the project is moving in a direction where there will be a wall later.

The success of the battery industry project starts with systematic phasing.

Phasing battery investment in Europe

1. Roadmap

The roadmap gives clear goals for the battery project and lists the measures by which the project proceeds step by step. In addition to phasing, the roadmap defines milestones for milestones and significant decisions that guide the implementation of the investment from an early development stage.

The roadmap guides project decision-making and helps to allocate resources to the right priorities at each stage. In this way, the roadmap also reduces risks along the entire investment path.

2. Risk Assessment

It is advisable to carry out a risk assessment at the very beginning of the project and update it regularly as the project progresses. Together with the roadmap, it helps to anticipate unexpected situations and find ways to  reduce potential harm.

The risk assessment classifies the risks associated with the investment , in which case measures are allocated  on the basis of the probability and significance of the consequences of each risk.

3. Location surveys

The implementation time of the battery project is short, so it is necessary to find a location for the factory where the project can be implemented quickly at a reasonable cost. There is no time for a long planning and permitting process, but the area must be suitable for the planned activities. The project must also be ready or plans for its construction sufficiently advanced.

The location survey takes into account the availability of resources needed for the project, such as skills, services and logistics. We carry out battery projects all over the Nordic countries, so we know the pros and cons, risks and opportunities of different countries and industrial areas.

4. Profitability and alternative comparisons

Profitability assessment is the cornerstone of a successful battery project. Due to the urgency, it is tempting to carry out alternative comparisons hastily, although it is more far-reaching to go through several different concepts. Preliminary profitability estimates and comparisons of different alternatives are completed quickly by us and steer the project in the right direction from the start.

The advantage of out-of-the-box thinking is that each scenario examined and concepts that have been found to work provide useful information for the implementation of the best possible solution.

5. Building permit and environmental permit process

The Finnish licensing process is sometimes described as difficult to predict, even though it can be managed with good planning, preparation and anticipation. Aplanning plan helps to outline and schedule tasks in order to obtain the necessary permits. In general, an environmental impact assessment is the first stage of the permit process, and it requires preliminary plans and a location as initial information.

When the project proceeds to the environmental permit application, more detailed information is needed  on the impacts of production, such as emissions and energy use. That is why it is important to synchronize the permitting and planning of the project at the same pace.

For a successful licensing process, it is important not to rely too tightly on a specific technical solution or production concept. Too narrow-minded approach can lead to solutions that are not sustainable, energy-efficient or otherwise environmentally friendly.

It is one thing to implement a project quickly and efficiently. If a battery project is rushed forward without a clear roadmap, the project’s risks will increase, the schedule will be stretched and costs will get out of hand. Instead, an efficiently optimized project schedule prioritizes work, minimizes risks and steers towards a life-cycle sustainable outcome.

It is equally important to carefully decide and document each stage of the investment so that all observations and conclusions are available in the next  phase.

Prerequisites for a successful battery investment

1. Know-how; Products, production methods and implementation of the investment.

2. Resources; Sufficient manpower and personnel, a suitable location, the right machinery and equipment, and access to raw materials, water and energy.

3. General acceptance; Public approval, building and environmental permits, and approval by financiers, lenders and investors, e.g. EU taxonomy eligibility and ESG criteria.

Erno Voutilainen, battery industry expert, erno.voutilainen@sweco.fi