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Norwegian battery manufacturer Elinor Batteries partners up with China’s Morlus Technology, securing advanced battery technology and expertise for Europe’s battery production industry. Led by Shen Xi, Morlus is set to bolster its annual output to 10GWh, marking a significant move into the European market, with Elinor’s commercial battery sales expected within six months. This collaboration aims to capitalize on Norway’s renewable energy prowess and solid industrial heritage. Holding over 70 patents, Morlus Technology’s engagement with Elinor is primed to position them as market leaders, with product development and factory construction already on the agenda.

Mutual benefits and strategic goals

Elinor’s partnership with Morlus combines Norwegian renewable energy and industrial proficiency with Chinese technological innovation. Arne Fredrik Lånke, Elinor’s General Manager, underscores the collaboration’s necessity: “Collaboration with world-leading battery technologists is absolutely central to realizing profitable battery production in Norway.” The partnership is poised to facilitate a swift market entry for Elinor’s batteries, which are produced at Morlus’s facilities in China, with sales commencing in Europe imminently.

Shen Xi, the seasoned leader of Morlus with over two decades in the battery industry, regards the collaboration as a unique opportunity to penetrate the European market. “Norway is the country with the highest proportion of renewable energy globally, and it has a strong industrial foundation,” Shen remarks, envisioning the production of a green, low-carbon battery that stands out in the market.

Industry-leading innovation and expansion

Morlus Technology holds more than 70 patents. Its manufacturing prowess is supported by factories in Nantong and a development center in Shenzhen, China. Counting on these resources, Morlus is building up to an annual production capacity of 10GWh.

The largest shareholders of Morlus Technology, including Gongniu Electrics/Bull Electrics, Zhengxuan Investment, and China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Group, have a vested interest in the company’s European expansion plans. The synergy of these industry titans with Elinor’s vision is anticipated to elevate the partnership to new heights, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Accelerating Norway’s battery manufacturing

The collaboration between Elinor and Morlus is set to accelerate the manufacturing of batteries in Orkland, Norway, with a clear goal to establish a battery value chain in the Nordic region. With a projected investment decision for a gigafactory by 2025, Elinor is gearing up for a rapid product launch, aiming to take orders as early as this fall. The broader vision is to achieve a market-leading position in Europe, leveraging Norway’s high proportion of renewable energy and strong industrial base as a competitive advantage.

Investments and expectations

The timing for this ambitious initiative could not be more opportune, according to renewable energy investor Lars Helge Helvig. Drawing parallels to Norway’s early days in the oil industry, Helvig believes that Norway has the natural prerequisites for success in battery production but requires external knowledge — a gap that Morlus Technology is well-equipped to fill.

Shen Xi of Morlus envisions a bright future for the partnership, praising the Elinor team for their professionalism and passion. Coupled with Valinor’s rich experience in the renewable energy sector, Shen expresses strong confidence in the collaboration. The agreement between the two companies covers product development, production, and even factory construction, underscoring the comprehensive nature of this partnership.