BASF has selected Harjavalta, Finland, as the first location for battery materials production. The plant will be constructed adjacent to the nickel and cobalt refinery owned by Nornickel. The plant will use locally generated renewable energy sources, including hydro, wind, and biomass. Start-up is planned for late 2020, enabling the supply of approximately 300,000 full electric vehicles per year with BASF battery materials. This investment is part of BASF’s €400 million multi-step investment plan announced last year.

Additionally, BASF and Nornickel have signed a long-term, market-based supply agreement for nickel and cobalt feedstocks from Nornickel’s metal refinery. The agreement will establish a locally sourced and secure supply of raw materials for battery production in Europe.

• BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
• Norilsk Nickel (Nornickel), Moscow, Russia