Hydrovolt has taken its final investment decision on expanding its business to France through establishing recycling capacity located in Hordain in the heart of Northern France’s battery valley.


Hydrovolt is already running one of Europe’s largest EV battery recycling plants in Fredrikstad, Norway. When the company now expands its business to France, it is based on the valuable experience and existing recycling activities in Norway.

Northern France is chosen as the preferred entry region as it is a growing hub for the battery value chain. The area has already attracted four major battery gigafactory investments, much due to the region’s location, skilled workforce and industrial and automotive tradition.


This is a big milestone for Hydrovolt, and the entry to the French market will help us maintain our position as a leading European recycler of EV and industrial batteries. It is key for us to establish local presence across Europe to help build a circular battery value chain


As a first step, Hydrovolt will be establishing a collection point with the ability to discharge and dismantle EV batteries and industrial batteries. The chosen site in Hordain already has a set-up suitable for recycling operations designed at approx. 3000 square meters. Pending final permits, the company estimates to start operations in 2025.

European demand for batteries is growing exponentially, mainly driven by the electrification of transport, with an expectation to further increase by 2030. Recycling provides a new supply of battery-grade metals which is preferable to freshly mined materials.

Norwegian press release

French press release

English press release

Hydrovolt invests in battery recycling capacity in France

The Norwegian Tech Awards, organized by TekniskUkeblad (TU), celebrate innovation and technological excellence in Norway. This annual event recognizes outstanding achievements across a range of industries, highlighting companies, individuals, and projects that demonstrate significant contributions to technology, sustainability, and economic development in the country.

Nominees for the awards are chosen through a rigorous selection process that involves industry experts, journalists from Teknisk Ukeblad, and sometimes public voting. In 2024, the six finalists were: Aker Carbon Capture, Corvus Energy, Hycast, Zeabuz, ZEG Power and Hydrovolt. All nominees completed interviews/reportages and videos for the award.

You can read the reportage about Hydrovolt here: 

https://www.tu.no/artikler/her-blir-gamle-elbilbatterier-til-nye-ravarer/547732

https://www.tu.no/video/se-videopresentasjon-av-kandidat-4-hydrovolt/2410

The winner is chosen based on criteria such as innovation, societal impact, and technical advancement. In 2024, the winner was Corvus Energy.

Teknisk Ukeblad, a leading Norwegian technology magazine, is the driving force behind the Norwegian Tech Awards. TU is well-known for covering the latest developments in engineering, technology, and industry, making it a fitting host for such prestigious awards.

Watch the video presentation

Hydrovolt one of six finalists in the Norwegian tech awards 

Hydrovolt was featured on NRK (Norsk rikskringkasting), who is the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, Norway’s largest public broadcaster in July 2024. This was shortly after Hydrovolt announcing its investment plans in France.

In the report from the plant in Fredrikstad, Hydrovolt showcases the building of the new semi-autonomous production line for discharging and dismantling, which will become the world’s most automated line for these steps when commissioned.

Furthermore, Hydrovolt highlights their plans for the European market and speaks to the exciting movements in the emerging market for battery recycling.

https://www.nrk.no/ostfold/skal-vinne-tilbake-franske-elbilbatteri-1.16956499

https://tv.nrk.no/se?v=DKOV98070524&t=68s

Hydrovolt featured with French expansion on NRK