FREYR batterya Norwegian battery cell developer, begins manufacturing solar panels after announcing it will acquire Trina Solar’s U.S. manufacturing operations.
Inside the Wilmer panel assembly plant.
FREYR, which previously sought to serve the energy storage and EV markets, was pursuing a gigawatt-scale battery factory in Coweta County, Georgia. Now the company will take control of Trina’s 5-GW solar panel assembly plant in Wilmer, Texas, and pay Trina $340 million for its U.S. manufacturing assets. FREYR indicated in an investor presentation that it is in the process of consummating an operating and intellectual property agreement between Trina and FREYR.
Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur before the end of 2024, FREYR will begin its domestic cell manufacturing efforts. Site selection is ongoing, with FREYR targeting construction to start in the second quarter of 2025. The cell equipment should support 1,800 jobs and begin production in 2026.
“We are pleased to announce this transformative transaction, which will immediately position the company as one of the leading solar manufacturing companies in the US,” said Daniel Barcelo, newly appointed CEO of FREYR. “We are proud to partner with Trina Solar, a global leader in manufacturing and solar technology. Domestic solar and battery production capacity is essential for the energy transition and job creation. The US was once the world leader in solar energy, and it could be that way again.”
FREYR said it has secured a U.S. supply of polysilicon with Hemlock for final cell production, providing a “platform for FREYR’s U.S. solar and battery storage strategy.” The company also announced that it has terminated its battery technology license with 24M Technologies, but no further news was released about its potential battery factory in Georgia.
Joining FREYR following the closing of the Trina transaction, Trina employees include Mingxing Lin as Chief Strategy Officer and Dave Gustafson as Chief Operating Officer.