- FREYR Battery acquired Trina Solar’s US production facilities, including a 5 GW Texas-based plant, in a $340 million deal.
- Expansion plans include a second solar cell facility starting in 2025 to boost US energy independence and local content production.
- Leadership changes include Daniel Barcelo’s appointment as CEO. FREYR projects $175 million to $225 million in EBITDA by the end of 2025.
FREYR Battery has acquired Trina Solar Co. Ltd.’s US solar module production facilities in a $340 million deal. The acquisition includes a 5 GW facility in Wilmer, Texas, which began production on November 1, 2024. This move strengthens FREYR’s position in the US market and advances its vertical integration strategy.
FREYR expects to close the deal by the end of 2024, pending regulatory approvals. The acquisition boosts FREYR’s ability to meet local content requirements for US solar projects. FREYR also plans to build a second solar cell production facility, with construction beginning in the second quarter of 2025 and production starting in late 2026. These projects aim to reduce US dependence on foreign solar supply chains.
The $340 million transaction includes a $100 million cash payment, a $50 million loan repayment, a $150 million loan note, and a 9.9% equity stake for Trina Solar in FREYR. Trina Solar may acquire an additional 11.5% equity stake if it meets specific conditions. Alongside the deal, FREYR secured $100 million from Encompass Capital Advisors LLC for preferred stock and raised $14.8 million through a private placement to support operations.
FREYR announced leadership changes to drive its US expansion. The company appointed Daniel Barcelo as CEO. Co-founder Tom Einar Jensen will now focus on European assets. Mingxing Lin, a solar industry expert, takes on the role of Chief Strategy Officer, while Dave Gustafson steps into the role of Chief Operating Officer.
FREYR projects the Wilmer facility will generate significant revenue growth. The company expects an EBITDA of $75 million to $125 million in 2025, with targets rising to $175 million to $225 million by year-end when the plant reaches total capacity. Thirty per cent of the facility’s output will come from firm sales contracts with US clients, further solidifying FREYR’s domestic market presence.
The acquisition reinforces FREYR’s strategy to support the US energy transition by building a local solar supply chain. This move will reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and enhance the country’s energy independence. FREYR seeks to become a significant player in the US renewable energy sector by offering entirely locally produced solar solutions.
The deal highlights the growing focus on domestic solar manufacturing to meet the US’s rising demand for renewable energy. By securing a solid position in the solar market, FREYR aims to contribute significantly to the US clean energy transition, fostering a more sustainable future.
With this acquisition and expansion, FREYR strengthens its capabilities in energy storage while diversifying into solar module production. This ensures the company can offer a full range of renewable energy solutions to developers across the United States.