Italvolt, which is developing Italy’s largest Gigafactory, has signed a partnership with consulting firm AECOM to optimize operations across the battery production facility.
When fully operational the Gigafactory will be one of Europe’s largest, with a battery production capacity of 45 GWh and total investment of approximately €3.4 billion.
AECOM will help optimize the production process within Italvolt’s Gigafactory, ensuring that production of lithium-ion cells on-site will be as efficient as possible and minimizing waste during production.
AECOM will also support Italvolt in shaping best practice permitting processes for Gigafactories and the delivery of project management services, including establishing a comprehensive set of procurement policies, which reflect the business’ commitment to being a best in class ESG manufacturer.
Lars Carlstrom, Italvolt CEO and founder, said: “We are delighted to be working with one of the world’s leading infrastructure consulting firms. AECOM is the latest industry leading, technical service provider to join our project, underscoring its huge potential for the global battery industry.
“AECOM’s extensive experience supporting large industrial projects globally will enhance the extensive skills of our team and ensure that we deliver a state-of-the-art facility. Our partnership reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and creating a truly circular economy for battery production and recycling in Europe.
“Significantly, our project will also place major emphasis on delivering tangible regeneration in the Piemonte region. We expect to directly employ up to 3,000 people, providing opportunities for experienced and new workers to reskill, upskill and train in a modern and fast-growing industry.”
Marc Barone, chief growth officer, AECOM, said: “We’re excited to be working with Italvolt to progress its ambitious Gigafactory, which is set to play an important role in scaling up electric vehicle battery production in Europe. Our team brings global expertise in the delivery of world-class industrial facilities and will be led by our local team in the region. Italvolt’s ESG ambitions align with our own objectives and we look forward to working with them to embed strong ESG principles across their procurement processes and help leave a lasting legacy for the community in Piemonte.”
The agreement follows a number of similar partnerships with other industry leading companies, including ABB (electrification and automation), Equans (clean and dry rooms and process utilities), TÜV SÜD (control and certification of production processes and ESG strategy) and American Manganese (recycling of lithium-ion batteries), and demonstrates the commerciality viability of Italvolt’s plan to develop an industry leading facility.
