AESC UK Gigafactory Sunderland
Sunderland, UK · 2021-2025 · £1bn (2025 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchSignificant government support, including £101m in direct grants and a £200m loan from the UK Infrastructure Bank, was crucial for project viability and acceleration. - The project is a key component of Nissan's broader EV36Zero hub, demonstrating a strategic commitment to localized EV production. - JATCO's decision to scrap a separate EV powertrain plan highlights the dynamic and sometimes uncertain nature of large-scale EV manufacturing investments.
Key engineering challenges
Integrating 100% net zero carbon energy sources for manufacturing. - Scaling up advanced lithium-ion battery production processes. - Ensuring seamless supply chain integration for high-volume output. - Adapting existing infrastructure for new EV battery production.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Envision AESC, Nissan
- Lead contractor
- Wates
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 15.8 GWh battery production capacity; 100,000 electric vehicles annually
- Disciplines
- electrical; mechanical; process; civil; structural; systems
- Standards & frameworks
- —
Sources: Nissan News (July 2021, https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/210701-03-e) - Wates (https://www.wates.co.uk/projects/construction/industrial/aesc/) - The Guardian (May 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/09/aesc-second-sunderland-gigafactory-after-securing-funding-government-battery-maker) - S&P Global (Nov 2023, https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/energy-transition/112423-nissan-expands-ev-production-at-uk-sunderland-plant-with-gbp2-billion-investment) - National Wealth Fund (https://www.nationalwealthfund.org.uk/news-and-publications/news/uk-infrastructure-bank-provides-200-million-boost-to-aesc-gigafactory/)