Battery company Britishvolt has signed a memorandum of understanding with an Indonesian stock exchange listed industrial company to partner on the development and supply of nickel sulphate for its full-scale gigaplant in Northumberland.
The Coventry-headquartered company has partnered with VKTR, a new division of Bakrie Autoparts, a part of Bakrie & Brothers, to focus on establishing a nickel sulphate facility in Indonesia, that will align with BV’s ESG commitments and principles and ensure the supply of the battery raw material to Britishvolt’s Blyth gigaplant.
The companies will develop a joint venture under the name of INDOVOLT BV VKTR, primarily focusing on upstream supply security for nickel through to sulphate conversion.
Indonesia is the world’s largest nickel producing country and is rapidly building out its own electric vehicle industry and the deal will support the country’s 2060 net-zero commitments.
The initial agreement will pave the way for a potential gigaplant to be developed in Indonesia.
Orral Nadjari, chief executive of Britishvolt, said: “Indonesia has enormous, unprecedented potential that will see global investment flow into the country as it aims to become a world leader on the international battery stage. I am delighted to be part of Indonesia’s journey to net-zero, and I look forward to seeing the outcome of this partnership with VKTR.
“I am also proud to be helping establish a secure supply of nickel to the UK at a time when raw materials are in the spotlight as the age of the battery really gets going. Secure, sustainable supply chains are essential for a successful energy transition.”
Anindya Bakrie, chairman and founder of Bakrie Centre Foundation; chairman of supervisory board at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry [KADIN], said: “VKTR is pleased to have signed the MoU with Britishvolt and is looking forward to collaborating with the battery pioneer to develop a greener battery manufacturing supply chain.”
He added: “VKTR is looking to build an integrated transport electrification, EV battery ecosystem in the Indonesia market spanning battery-powered buses, cars and infrastructure, through synergies with Bakrie & Brothers’ portfolio companies.”
