Quebec will soon be home to a multibillion-dollar mega-factory that specializes in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
On Thursday, September 28, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier François Legault gathered in Montreal to unveil plans for the construction of an electric vehicle battery plant in the province. They were joined by other ministers and executives from Northvolt. For Northvolt, a Swedish battery manufacturing giant, this EV battery plant would be its first factory outside of Europe.
The construction of this plant is expected to bring major contributions to the country’s economy, while also creating up to 3,000 jobs in the region.
“This facility will be able to produce batteries for a million electric vehicles a year and, at full production capacity, the plant will contribute up to $1.6 billion to our economy,” said Trudeau during the announcement.
Northvolt is a battery manufacturer that was founded in 2016. They have since established themselves as a big name in the industry and have provided batteries and solutions for electric vehicle companies such as Volvo and Volkswagen. On their website, Northvolt expresses their interest in sustainability. Their goals include creating high-quality green batteries that have a minimal carbon footprint and high recyclability. They claim to use recyclable materials, ethical sourcing, and renewable energy to create their environmentally conscious battery products.
Despite the projected economic benefits of this investment, there have been concerns expressed by the public. These include fears surrounding noise pollution and housing. Because of this, a petition with 700 signatures has been submitted to block the project.
Opposition parties are questioning the province’s investment, pointing out that this billion-dollar project comes with financial risks for the money of Quebecers.
Meanwhile, Bloc Québécois leader, Yves-François Blanchet, welcomes this announcement. “It enables Quebec to assert its position as a leader in the electrification of transportation,” said Blanchet for CBC News.
The factory is expected to be built by the end of 2026.