Delegates were guided around the £130 million facility, which allows battery manufacturers of any size to test their new products in a controlled environment before they commit to mass production, by Matthew Cutler, Head of Health, Safety & Environment at UKBIC.
They were shown the vast mixers and dryers used to test new electrodes for batteries, the cell assembly facility where different types of battery are put together, and a finished example of a battery pack currently used in Nissan LEAF electric vehicles that was tested at the facility.
The visitors then sat down together to discuss what new battery technology could mean for their companies and sectors, and the challenges associated with that.
Tom Mongan, Chair of the MACE Group, said: “UKBIC is an incredible facility to have in our region, and will give so many sectors – not just the automotive industry – the chance to make pioneering developments in battery technology without them having to build a factory from scratch.
“It will undoubtedly play a major part in the journey towards net-zero, which was reflected in our discussions.
“However, our members had plenty to say around the challenges our sector is facing, such as the barriers to electric vehicle take-up, the difficulties in recycling used batteries, and the potential for labour laws to be tightened in the upcoming Budget.
“The MACE sector has an important role to play in the country’s journey towards a net-zero future, and we would urge the Chancellor to think carefully about how her policies will affect our industries and their ability to create innovative solutions in solving the climate crisis.”
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our tour of the brilliant UK Battery Industrialisation Centre gave us a chance to look at the future of battery production and to think about the complex landscape that our local engineers and manufacturers need to navigate towards net-zero.
“We spoke about the move towards electric vehicles, making our factories more sustainable, developing net-zero supply chains, supporting our staff and how to access the right advice and support.
“The upcoming Budget is a big moment in our quest to reduce our carbon footprint. It’s important the Chancellor gets the balance between raising funds and driving green growth absolutely right.”
