ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
FREYR Battery, a Luxembourg public limited liability company (“société anonyme”) (“FREYR,” the “Company”, “we”, or “us”), is a developer of clean, next-generation battery cell production capacity. Our mission and vision are to accelerate the decarbonization of global energy and transportation systems by producing clean, cost-competitive batteries. Through our strategy of Speed, Scale, and Sustainability, we seek to serve our primary markets of energy storage systems (“ESS”); commercial mobility, including marine applications and commercial vehicles; and electric vehicles (“EV”).
We are in the design and testing phase related to our battery production process and we are in the final stages of the construction of our Customer Qualification Plant (“CQP”) and groundworks and foundation structures for our inaugural gigafactory (“Giga Arctic”), both located in Mo i Rana, Norway. We have also announced the launch of our first clean battery cell manufacturing project in the U.S. (“Giga America”) located in Coweta County, Georgia and we have announced the exploration of a potential gigafactory site in Vaasa, Finland.
Our initial CQP production line is based on our licensed SemiSolidTM technology and cooperation with 24M Technologies, Inc. (“24M”) and lithium-ion chemistry. Future development and expansion could incorporate alternative chemistry models and additional advances in battery technology through our ongoing cooperation with 24M, through joint ventures, and other licensing opportunities. We will initially target market opportunities in ESS, commercial mobility, and EV with high density and slower charge requirements, with plans to target additional markets, including faster charge battery cells for the broader consumer EV market.
As of December 31, 2022, we have not yet initiated manufacturing or derived revenue from our principal business activities.
Background and Business Combination
On January 29, 2021, FREYR AS, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of Norway (“FREYR Legacy”) and Alussa Energy Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Alussa”), among others, entered into the Business Combination Agreement (the “BCA”) to effect a merger between the companies (the “Business Combination”). FREYR was formed on January 20, 2021, to complete the Business Combination and serves as the successor entity to FREYR Legacy, the predecessor entity.
The merger was completed in multiple stages, pursuant to the terms of the BCA, which included among other things, the transfer of FREYR Legacy’s wind farm business to Sjonfjellet Vindpark Holding AS (“SVPH”), resulting in SVPH shares being held by FREYR Legacy’s shareholders. On July 8, 2021, FREYR’s ordinary shares and warrants began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). On July 9, 2021, FREYR completed the Business Combination and FREYR Legacy and Alussa became wholly owned subsidiaries of FREYR.
The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, with Alussa treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes and FREYR issuing shares for the net assets of Alussa, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of Alussa were stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.
As a result, the consolidated financial statements included herein reflect (i) the historical operating results of FREYR Legacy prior to the Business Combination, (ii) the combined results of FREYR, FREYR Legacy and Alussa following the closing of the Business Combination, (iii) the assets and liabilities of FREYR Legacy at their historical cost, (iv) the assets and liabilities of FREYR and Alussa at their historical cost, which approximates fair value, and (v) FREYR’s equity structure for all periods presented.
Markets and Customers
The global battery market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade driven by the ongoing energy industry’s transformation from traditional fossil fuel energy production systems to renewable energy sources requiring ESS and the decarbonization of transport of commercial and passenger mobility. We believe FREYR is well positioned to capitalize on these industry trends and strives to accelerate this decarbonization by developing and producing cleaner batteries at giga scale through our strategy of Speed, Scale, and Sustainability.
FREYR is initially targeting market opportunities in ESS, marine applications, commercial vehicles, and EVs with high density and slower charge requirements, with plans to target additional markets, including faster charge battery cells for the broader consumer EV market.
In late 2022, FREYR completed the formation of the previously announced module and pack joint venture with Nidec Corporation (“Nidec”) and executed the binding sales (offtake) agreement to supply 38 Gigawatt hours (“GWh”) of LFP Li-Ion battery cells from 2025 to 2030 to the joint venture, with options for the joint venture to increase the volume to 50 GWh and to extend the contract beyond 2030. The total firm and optional volume under the offtake agreement comprises 50% of the planned production volumes for Giga Arctic. The joint venture will combine FREYR’s clean, next-generation battery cells with Nidec’s expertise as a global leader in the ESS business and will produce modules and packs and generate integrated downstream ESS solutions for industrial and utility grade customers. Conditional offtake agreements have been
executed with Powin, and other leading ESS and energy technology companies. Conditional offtake agreements are non-binding to the parties. We believe these agreements form a basis for FREYR’s entry into the ESS marketplace.
Strategy
Our vision is to accelerate the decarbonization of all transportation and energy systems with our mission to produce the world’s most cost effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly batteries.
FREYR works at speed to:
•Maximize speed to market of low-carbon, cost-competitive battery cells;
•Capitalize on the projected battery shortfall as electrification accelerates; and
•Commercialize proven technology in battery cell manufacturing.
FREYR intends to maximize scale by:
•Building manufacturing capacity on a gigafactory basis;
•Targeting major addressable markets for electrification; and
•Addressing substantial unmet demand across the ESS, commercial mobility, and EV market segments.
FREYR prioritizes sustainability by:
•Sourcing localized, low-cost, decarbonized, and renewable energy;
•Commercializing low-carbon production methods based on 24M’s SemiSolidTM technology; and
•Forming strategic alliances to help ensure decarbonized low-cost raw material supply.
Competitive Landscape
FREYR’s competitors include major battery manufacturers currently supplying the markets, automotive original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), and potential new entrants, including CATL (China), BYD (China), LG Chem (South Korea), Samsung SDI (South Korea), SK Innovation (South Korea), Panasonic (Japan), and Northvolt (Sweden). Additionally, there are several development-stage companies seeking to improve conventional lithium-ion batteries or to develop new technologies for batteries. These companies are in varying stages of development and commercialization.
FREYR seeks to compete with these companies by fulfilling the customers’ needs for localized production and supply of batteries and on the basis of its sustainable, low-cost production practices. Localized production of batteries allows for a more secure supply and lower transportation costs, and initiatives in Europe and the U.S. are seeking to source batteries outside of China to minimize political and national security concerns. FREYR’s production strategy includes manufacturing batteries using renewable energy and our licensed technology from 24M, which allows for a simplified manufacturing process, lower costs, and more efficient recycling after the end of the product’s lifecycle. This is expected to provide our customers with more sustainable batteries.
International Expansion and Plant Construction
FREYR is concurrently developing its production capacity with giga scale factories in the Nordic region and in the U.S. FREYR intends to install 50 GWh of battery cell production capacity by 2025, 100 GWh annual production capacity by 2028, and 200 GWh of annual production capacity by 2030.
Customer Qualification Plant
We are in the final stages of the construction of our 13 thousand square meter CQP in Mo i Rana, Norway. Our initial CQP production line is based on our licensed SemiSolidTM technology and cooperation with 24M and lithium-ion battery chemistry, as discussed further below. Production from the customer qualification plant will be used to provide samples to enable early customer engagement and to test new material suppliers and new solutions over time and will incorporate a battery testing center. This is important to our initial product development and continued optimization of our battery products to meet evolving customer needs. Future development and expansion could incorporate alternative chemistry models and additional advances in battery technology through our ongoing cooperation with 24M and/or joint ventures, and licensing opportunities.
Giga Arctic
In June 2022, FREYR formally sanctioned the construction of Giga Arctic, our 120 thousand square meter inaugural gigafactory which combines our previously announced Gigafactory 1 & 2. This is the first full scale battery manufacturing facility we have sanctioned, and it is currently under development in Mo i Rana, Norway. We have completed the initial groundworks and foundation structures for a portion of the facility, which is ultimately expected to have an annual nameplate capacity of up to 29 GWh over eight production lines, with an initial estimated capital cost of more than $1.7 billion. The timing of the start of production will be primarily driven by the successful startup of CQP battery cell production and testing, and the timing of project and other financing activities, and is expected to follow the completion of funding activities by a
period of 18 to 24 months. We believe Giga Arctic will also serve as a blueprint for an idealized and modularized battery cell manufacturing facility that can be rapidly replicated in other locations.
Giga America
In November 2022, the Company, through its U.S. subsidiary FREYR Battery US LLC, acquired approximately 368 acres of land in Coweta County, Georgia, which is intended to be the site of the Company’s Giga America clean battery cell manufacturing project. The initial cell production module is expected to have an annual capacity of approximately 34 GWh and will be established with the U.S.-based 24M production platform and based on the Giga Arctic manufacturing blueprint. Production at Giga America is expected to meet the demand for U.S. based customers.
This acceleration of FREYR’s previously planned expansion into U.S. markets is based on strong tailwinds in U.S. renewable energy development, an intensifying focus on grid stability initiatives, and the tax incentives associated with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) which was signed into law in the U.S. on August 16, 2022. The IRA includes $369 billion in climate and energy-related provisions, including those to incentivize and accelerate the build-out of renewable energy and accelerate the adoption of EV technologies. The IRA creates specific tax credit incentives for the manufacturing and production of battery cells, modules, and electrode materials in the U.S., and extends the investment tax credit to standalone battery storage technology projects for the first time without co-location requirements to solar or wind developments. The IRA will likely drive significantly lower battery costs and prices in the U.S., potentially leading to a surge in domestic ESS activity.
Finland
In May 2022, FREYR signed an agreement with the City of Vaasa, Finland, for the lease of approximately 1.3 million square meters of land in the Vaasa area. This land is a potential future site for FREYR’s developmental initiatives based on the Company’s collaboration with the City of Vaasa.
Research & Development and Technology Licenses
Research and Development
FREYR’s research and development (“R&D”) activities are primarily related to the startup of manufacturing and process optimization of the 24M technology manufacturing process using lithium-ion chemistry. Additional R&D activities could incorporate alternative chemistry models and additional advances in battery technology both through our ongoing partnership with 24M, joint ventures, and licensing opportunities.
The Company’s primary R&D locations currently include the following leased facilities:
•CQP in Mo i Rana, Norway - This facility focuses on the continual improvement and optimization of our manufacturing process, including the qualification of suppliers and testing of materials and cells, as well as the development of products to meet specific customer needs;
•Technology resources, campus and business unit in Fukuoka, Japan - This facility focuses on the facilitation and scale-up of FREYR’s testing and development of the 24M battery platform;
•Technology center in Boston, Massachusetts - This facility supports the Company’s expansion strategy to accelerate the development of the Company’s first U.S. gigafactory, Giga America, and to enhance technological development and strategic coordination with 24M; and
•R&D center in Trondheim, Norway - This facility is located near the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and provides additional support for our R&D activities in Mo i Rana, Norway.
24M License and Technology
FREYR, through its subsidiaries FREYR AS and Freyr Battery KSP JV, LLC, executed two similar license and services agreements with 24M, dated December 15, 2020, (as subsequently amended and collectively the “24M License”). The 24M License provides FREYR with rights, which in specified cases are on an exclusive basis, to exploit certain patents and patent applications useful for or related to the manufacture, assembly, test, operation, and service of SemiSolidTM battery cells and modules owned, controlled, developed, or acquired by 24M or any of its affiliates, noting that 24M and FREYR have agreed to a limited exclusivity, non-compete, and additional licensing framework. Additionally, 24M will provide certain services to FREYR, including technical training of engineers, provision of information relevant to construct and operate the factory, and on-site support.
The 24M License will continue for the duration of the licensed patents and patent applications begin validly in force unless terminated earlier by FREYR or 24M pursuant to the terms of the 24M License.
The cost of the rights and services in the 24M License was $20.0 million, payable in several installments and an ongoing royalty fee based on sales volumes. Additionally, 24M and FREYR have agreed to an additional service fee of $8.8 million in exchange for the completion of R&D work packages related to cell performance. The fee is payable in four equal installments of $2.2 million, the first of which was paid in January 2023. The estimated period of performance for the
services is 20 months, spanning from November 2022 until June 2024. The service fee is recognized as R&D expense on a straight-line basis over the service period.
24M’s SemiSolidTM cell architecture and associated production process reduces the number of steps required to manufacture traditional battery cells, while still using conventional materials, as discussed further below. The 24M process incorporates technology that is expected to provide significant advantages over traditional manufacturing processes. FREYR expects to be able to apply this battery cell and production process technology to any commercially available cathode and anode chemistry for a wide range of applications. Initially, the 24M technology will be used to produce batteries for utility scale and commercial ESS, commercial vehicles, and EVs with slower charge requirements. 24M is also developing faster charge EV solutions for the broader consumer EV segment based on the 24M production platform which could further increase the market penetration and adoption of the technology.
Aleees License and Technology
In October 2022, FREYR signed a license and services agreement with Taiwan based Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry Co., Ltd. (“Aleees”). The agreement, which includes ongoing services and support from Aleees, provides FREYR with a 20-year worldwide license to produce and sell lithium-iron phosphate (“LFP”) cathode battery material based on Aleees’ technology and to build production facilities leveraging Aleees’ industrial experience. The license is cancellable without cause at FREYR’s option after 10 years. Aleees is a qualified supplier of LFP cathode material to 24M and an established LFP cathode producer outside of mainland China. LFP cathode materials represent a significant component of the cost of a battery cell and the projected full-cycle supply chain carbon footprint of cells. Through this agreement and in cooperation with Aleees, FREYR believes it is positioned to become a low cost and low carbon producer of LFP cathode material.
Manufacturing Process
Production
FREYR’s cell production process in our initial CQP production line and in our Giga Arctic facility is based on our licensed SemiSolidTM technology and partnership with 24M and lithium-ion battery chemistry. The battery cell manufacturing process is accomplished in multiple steps over three major stages - electrode creation, cell assembly, and formation and aging. Traditional electrode manufacturing includes the mixing and coating of multiple thin layers of anode and cathode materials to produce the electrode. In FREYR’s cell production process, fewer thicker layers are created. During assembly of the cell, the electrode is wound or stacked as determined by the final cell configuration. Aging, charge and discharge cycles, and testing of the cell can then occur. Manufactured battery cells are assembled into packs and modules for a variety of applications. The anticipated advantages of the 24M process technology over traditional battery manufacturing methods include:
•Less raw materials than factories with comparable capacity;
•Significant reduction in the number of production steps, which could result in a material reduction in required manufacturing footprint, energy consumption, and labor requirements;
•Production process free of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (“NMP”), an industrial solvent subject to regulation in Europe which requires a complex and costly recovery process;
•Chemistry-agnostic platform supporting current and next generation anode and cathode chemistries, such as higher silicon content anodes, higher voltage cathodes, dual electrolyte systems, and pre-lithiation implementation;
•Significant reduction in the use of inactive raw materials, due to thicker electrodes with more active, energy carrying material;
•Larger cell formats; and
•Simplified recycling process, primarily due to the elimination of the need for a binder.
In August 2022, FREYR announced a strategic partnership with South Korea based Hana Technology Co. Ltd (“Hana Technology”) to jointly develop formation and aging, pouch assembly, and inspection and packaging equipment and automation solutions for FREYR’s planned gigafactories. This strategic alliance frame agreement will enable FREYR and Hana Technology to customize and co-develop solutions for our gigafactories.
In September 2022, FREYR announced key contracts related to constructing and equipping its Giga Arctic manufacturing facility in Mo i Rana, Norway. FREYR signed an agreement with HENT AS (“HENT”) for the planning, project management, and construction of FREYR’s 120 thousand square-meter Giga Arctic battery factory. HENT is one of Norway’s largest general contractors and project developers. FREYR also entered into an agreement with Italy based NTE Process (“NTE”) to supply a complete and integrated drying and powder handling system to Giga Arctic. FREYR also awarded an agreement to UK based Mpac Group (“Mpac”) to provide production line equipment for automated casting and unit cell assembly to the Giga Arctic project. Both of these equipment suppliers are pre-qualified vendors of 24M and are currently supplying equipment for the CQP project.
Material Suppliers
The manufacturing of battery cells requires coordination with a variety of specialized material suppliers, many of which are currently located in Asia. Initially, FREYR expects to rely on qualified suppliers through 24M’s supply chain while embarking on internal qualification of new material providers. Ultimately, FREYR is working to localize its supply
chain where possible into Europe, and specifically the Nordic region, to supply its CQP and Giga Arctic facilities. FREYR believes that regional raw material supply will expand its low cost, margin, and sustainability advantages by minimizing the distance supplies must travel and ensuring supply chain consistency. FREYR also expects that localized material supply will make it a more attractive trade partner given potential trade policy developments, increased supply chain tracing in Europe and North America, and the logistical challenges of global manufacturing.
In 2022, FREYR took several steps to secure raw materials and the required energy supply for its facilities in Mo i Rana. FREYR signed a long-term physical supply agreement with Statkraft, Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy. The agreement provides a supply of hydropower renewable energy to cover substantially all of FREYR’s currently anticipated electricity needs for the CQP and Giga Arctic facilities during the period of 2023 to 2031 and ensures physical delivery of energy from the central grid in Mo i Rana.
FREYR also announced it had entered into a reservation agreement with Changzhou Senior New Energy Materials Co., Ltd. and Senior Material (Europe) AB (“Changzhou”) to supply battery materials for its CQP and Giga Arctic facilities through 2028, with an optional extension until 2031, exercisable solely by FREYR. Subject to certain terms and conditions of the reservation agreement, Changzhou has reserved the supply capacity of separator materials through 2028 to align with FREYR’s estimated demand. Additionally, FREYR announced a new service agreement with ITOCHU Corporation (“ITOCHU”), the Japan-based global trading and import/export company. As part of this agreement, ITOCHU will serve as a direct materials supplier for FREYR’s procurement and supply chain operations to secure the raw materials required for FREYR’s planned battery production.
Sustainability
FREYR has a strong commitment towards environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) considerations. International cooperation and outreach related to climate change are increasing focus on sustainability and this is driving a new era of disclosure and accountability across industries and countries. FREYR defines full-cycle sustainability as environmentally-friendly, ethical practices across all aspects of the battery supply chain, from sourcing raw materials upstream to manufacturing to recycling. We have aligned our Company goals with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”), with a focus on the following SDGs:
•Affordable and clean energy;
•Decent work and economic growth;
•Sustainable cities and communities;
•Climate action;
•Industry, innovation, and infrastructure;
•Responsible consumption and production; and
•Partnerships for the goals.
FREYR’s ambition is to support these SDGs and achieve full-cycle sustainability through:
•Strong Governance - We are committed to instituting best-practice governance policies and procedures to support our sustainability goals. Honesty, integrity, fairness, and respect should be exhibited in all business dealings of FREYR. We promote transparency and accountability grounded on sound business practices. To this end, we have implemented various policies and procedures including an Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and a Supplier Code of Conduct. We also have a Whistleblower Program to allow confidential reporting of violations of our policies.
•Securing a Sustainable Supply Chain - FREYR requires that suppliers certify their materials are produced in a responsible manner, outside conflict areas, and under conditions showing due respect to international labor standards and the environment. We are actively engaging with suppliers to develop supply agreements for active materials. European, and especially Nordic-based materials, are preferred, as these are typically manufactured with a lower emissions profile than materials sourced from other regions of the world. In addition to working with suppliers who employ carbon-conscious extraction techniques, a more localized supply chain could also lower carbon emissions by reducing transportation requirements. FREYR’s manufacturing power source for its CQP and Giga Arctic facility will draw primarily from carbon-free hydropower in Mo i Rana.
•Sustainable Operations and Manufacturing of Clean Batteries - The best way that we can support sustainability is through our vision to accelerate the decarbonization of all transportation and energy systems by fulfilling our mission to deliver the world’s most cost effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly batteries. We are strongly dedicated to avoiding and minimizing any adverse environmental impacts linked to our business operations and to promoting emission reduction. This includes adverse impacts as a result of FREYR’s business operations directly, as well as any indirect impacts such as impacts related to business partners and suppliers. Our 24M licensed technology allows for a simplified manufacturing process that reduces material inputs and required energy consumption, lowering the overall carbon footprint. In addition, the design of FREYR’s manufacturing facilities will target zero emissions of toxic substances and other waste from the manufacturing process.
•Human Rights / Health and Safety - We are strongly committed to safeguarding human and labor rights, sound working conditions, working environment, and protecting the health and safety of our employees. FREYR condemns all forms of human rights violations and expects its employees, business partners, and others associated with our business operations to be equally committed to respecting human rights. FREYR shall ensure that its
employees receive the proper training to perform the work in a safe and secure manner and provide the equipment necessary to conduct the work safely.
Employees and Human Capital
FREYR’s people are vital to our success as an organization and to our ability to implement our long-term goals and objectives. FREYR’s human capital goals include ensuring that it has the right talent, in the right place, and at the right time. We accomplish this through our commitment to attracting, developing, motivating, and retaining our employees. We are committed to supporting our employees through the full employment life cycle.
FREYR has competitive programs dedicated to selecting new talent with the needed skills and experience. FREYR strives to attract individuals who are people-focused and share our values of innovation, collaboration, respect, and empowerment. Our mission, vision, and values as an organization also help us to attract dedicated and committed employees. FREYR promotes a diverse working environment and a culture of equal opportunities and non-discrimination. To support diversity in our workforce, we strive to have a diverse group of candidates to consider for each of our open positions. To that end, we have developed strong relationships with a variety of industry associations that represent diverse professionals and with diversity groups on university and college campuses where we recruit.
Our training program is designed both to support employees in their work through compliance with Company policies and procedures as well as in their professional and leadership development.
FREYR has designed a compensation structure, including an array of benefit plans and programs, that it believes is attractive to prospective employees and supports the retention of existing employees. We also offer share-based compensation under our long-term incentive program to certain employees to align Company goals with individual goals and to support employee retention. In addition to its fair and equitable compensation programs, FREYR also seeks to retain its employees by using their feedback to create and continually enhance programs that support their needs. FREYR has formal annual goal-setting and performance review processes for its employees. FREYR monitors and evaluates various turnover and attrition metrics throughout its management teams to monitor and support its retention efforts.
FREYR has a diversified and experienced management team with relevant international experience. The team combines strategic partnership and battery expertise, execution track-record from large scale industry and renewable energy projects, as well as experience from disruptive technology and battery and electrical automotive industries.
As of December 31, 2022, FREYR had 212 employees, substantially all of which are full-time, a significant increase from the 119 employees as of December 31, 2021.
Government Regulation/Compliance
As a multinational company, FREYR is subject to government regulations and compliance with various laws and business practices in multiple jurisdictions internationally, as well as federal, state, and local jurisdictions in the U.S. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, those related to general corporate regulations, health and safety, and industry-specific compliance.
FREYR is subject to relevant workplace safety requirements, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration in the U.S. and the Norwegian health, safety and environment requirements in Norway. FREYR will also be subject to health and safety regulations specifically applicable to its business, for instance in relation to the handling of high voltage electricity in the production facilities, chemicals and materials handling, and explosion hazards.
Industry specific regulations, including those related to the manufacture, transportation, use, and ultimate disposition of batteries are a changing area of compliance. The proposed European Commission Battery Regulations, for example, are expected to provide new requirements related to sustainability, safety, labeling, and end-of-life management. Industry specific regulations may apply to FREYR’s activities Company-wide or in specific jurisdictions.
FREYR is committed to complying with all relevant laws and regulations for its business and operations.
Available Information
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge on the investor section of our Company website at https://www.freyrbattery.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Summary of Risk Factors
The following summarizes the significant factors, events, and uncertainties that could create risk with an investment in our securities. The events and consequences discussed in these risk factors could, in circumstances we may not be able to accurately predict, recognize or control, have a material adverse effect on our business, growth, strategy, financial condition, operating results, cash flows, liquidity, and stock price. These risk factors are not exhaustive and do not identify all risks that we face; our operations could also be affected by factors, events, or uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we
currently do not consider as presenting significant risks to our operations, or which we currently deem immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
•Changes adversely affecting the battery industry and the development of existing or new technologies;
•The failure of 24M Technologies, Inc. (“24M”) technology or our batteries to perform as expected;
•24M or other future counterparties will provide similar licenses to other manufacturers which will increase our competition;
•Our ability to manufacture battery cells and to develop and increase our production capacity in a cost-effective manner;
•The electrification of energy sources does not develop as expected, or develops more slowly than expected;
•Technological developments in existing technologies or new developments in competitive technologies that could adversely affect the demand for our battery cells;
•General economic and geopolitical conditions;
•Increases in the cost of electricity or raw materials and components;
•Our ability to protect our intellectual property;
•Changes in applicable laws or regulations, including environmental and export control laws;
•Our ability to comply with legal and environmental regulations;
•Our ability to attract and retain key employees and qualified personnel and add significant staff;
•Our ability to execute and realize our business strategy and plans;
•Our ability to target and retain customers and suppliers;
•The failure to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting;
•Damage, failure, or interruption of our information technology systems, including due to cyber-based attacks and breaches;
•Our ability to assert, enforce and otherwise protect against unauthorized use of intellectual property rights licensed from 24M, which could result in our competitors using the intellectual property to offer products;
•The outcome of any legal proceedings relating to our products and services, including intellectual property or product liability claims;
•Our capital, organizational, and ownership structure;
•Whether and when we might pay dividends;
•Our ability to source materials from an ethically- and sustainably-sourced supply chain and 24M-qualified suppliers in sufficient quantities;
•The result of future financing efforts;
•The existence of, and our ability to qualify for, governmental and other economic incentives;
•The cost-competitiveness, carbon footprint, energy density and charge rates of our batteries;
•The timing, capacity, configurations and locations of our battery factories and production lines;
•The planned construction and production timing for the CQP and the planned construction period for each of our gigafactories;
•The cost to build the CQP and the gigafactories;
•Our expectations for our general and administrative expenses;
•Our expectations about market supply, demand, and other dynamics, including the number of industrial-scale battery manufacturing facilities in Norway, United States and Finland, supply costs, regulatory developments, increased globalization, and consolidation in the automotive and energy industries;
•The use and mix of lithium-nickel-manganese-oxide and lithium-iron-phosphate battery chemistries, including shifts in the battery chemistry mix due to conversations with potential customers;
•The market segments that we will initially target;
•Whether we will successfully enter into or obtain, and the impact of failing to sign or obtain, customer offtake agreements, necessary consents, other commercial agreements, permits or licenses in a timely manner or at all
•Our ability to enter successful joint venture partnerships and licensing arrangements; and
•Our ability to commercialize 24M and other technology for our licensing strategy and business plans.
Risks Relating to the Development and Commercialization of FREYR’s Battery Cells
FREYR’s success will depend on its ability to manufacture battery cells, and to do so economically, at scale, of sufficient quality, on schedule, and to customers’ specifications.
FREYR’s future business depends in large part on FREYR’s ability to execute its plans to develop, manufacture, market, and sell its battery cells and to deploy the battery cells at sufficient capacity and agreed specifications to meet the demands of customers. FREYR has no prior experience manufacturing battery cells and cannot be certain that the technologies and methods it intends to use will result in efficient, automated, low-cost manufacturing capabilities and
processes, that will enable FREYR to meet the quality, price, engineering, design, production standards, and production volumes, required to successfully market its battery cells.
Even if FREYR is successful in developing its manufacturing capability and processes it cannot be certain whether it will be able to do so in a manner that avoids cost overruns, meets its commercialization schedules, and satisfies the requirements of customers. Construction and manufacturing are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could be negatively impacted by factors both within and beyond FREYR’s ability to control, including but not limited to, difficulty in obtaining permits, delays, and cost overruns, any of which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR’s license with 24M is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could adversely affect FREYR’s business and future prospects. There can be no assurances that 24M or other future counterparties will not provide similar licenses to other manufacturers, which will increase the competition faced by FREYR.
The 24M License is subject to various risks, which could adversely affect FREYR’s business and future prospects. There are no assurances that 24M or its successors will not provide similar licenses to other battery cell manufacturers, outside the exclusivity and non-compete restrictions detailed in the 24M License, thus increasing the competition faced by FREYR.
The 24M License provides FREYR with the rights to use 24M’s technology and accelerate FREYR’s time to market. FREYR’s business, competitive advantage. and financial results rely heavily on the technology licensed from 24M and its relationship with 24M. However, 24M may have economic, business, or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with those of FREYR. If 24M is unable or unwilling to meet its economic or other obligations under the 24M License, FREYR may be required to either fulfill those obligations alone or be unable to replicate the services to be provided by 24M. Furthermore, FREYR has not licensed alternative technology, so any disagreement with 24M or its successors, or termination of the 24M License would result in a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows, including impeding FREYR’s ability to maximize the benefits of its licensing strategy and delay the development, construction, or deployment of FREYR’s battery plants.
24M and FREYR have agreed to a limited exclusivity and non-compete framework in the 24M License, which is limited by geography and time and is conditional on FREYR’s materially proper performance of its 24M License obligations. For example, the 24M License grants exclusivity that is limited to the Scandinavian region and the EEA until December 31, 2023, and in the U.S. exclusivity may cease if FREYR does not meet a sustained annual production rate by December 31, 2025. Subject to these agreed exclusivities and non-compete limitations in the 24M License, the future use by FREYR’s competitors or potential competitors of 24M technology could result in a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
The 24M technology or other technology licensed by FREYR may not perform as expected.
The technology licensed from 24M has not yet been commercialized on a gigafactory scale and therefore the technology and the battery cell manufacturing process may not perform as expected. In addition, FREYR may license technology from other third parties, which may not have been commercialized broadly or at all.
If the cost, manufacturing process, performance characteristics, or other specifications of batteries produced with the 24M technology, or technology licensed from another counterparty, are significantly different than anticipated or are unable to be realized for production at giga scale, FREYR’s projected sales, costs, time to market, competitive advantage, product pricing, and margins would likely be adversely affected. If FREYR’s licensed technologies do not perform as expected, FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
FREYR’s success depends in part on its ability to construct and equip manufacturing facilities in a timely and cost-effective manner.
FREYR’s ability to plan, construct and equip manufacturing facilities is subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The construction of manufacturing facilities is subject to the risks and uncertainties inherent in any construction project and particularly in the development and construction of new facilities, including risks of delays and cost overruns, which FREYR has experienced in the past. Additionally, manufacturing equipment may take longer and cost more to engineer, build, and install than expected, and may not operate as required to meet FREYR’s production plans.
The development phase of the manufacturing facilities includes obtaining several consents, commercial agreements, permits, and licenses from relevant authorities and stakeholders to secure rights for construction and operation activities, and of which could be delayed or denied, negatively impacting construction time-frames and cost estimates. FREYR also depends on third-party relationships in the development and construction of production equipment, which may subject FREYR to the risk that such third parties do not fulfill their obligations.
If FREYR is unable to build its manufacturing facilities, FREYR will be unable to operate its business as expected. If the demand for FREYR’s battery cells or production output is not as expected, FREYR’s constructed manufacturing facilities may have capacity significantly in excess of the demand for FREYR’s products, resulting in a higher cost per unit manufactured than anticipated.
The inability to construct and equip FREYR’s manufacturing facilities in a timely or cost-effective manner or any significant excess of production capacity over product demand, including the impact of factors both within and outside of
FREYR’s control, could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR will rely on complex machinery for its operations and production involves a significant degree of risk and uncertainty in terms of operational performance and costs, as well as the risk of damage or destruction.
FREYR will rely heavily on complex machinery in its large-scale manufacturing operations for the production of its battery cells. FREYR has not yet acquired, developed, or operated with such machinery in the past. The work required to design, secure, and integrate this equipment into the production of FREYR’s battery cells is time intensive and requires FREYR to work closely with third-party equipment and technology providers to ensure that it works properly for FREYR’s specific licensed-in battery technology.
This production technology will be provided by third parties, and will generally require FREYR to enter into binding agreements with respect to such equipment and technology. FREYR has previously entered into agreements with 24M to license battery cell technology and with Aleees to license cathode material technology, as well as agreements with Hana Technology Co. Ltd, NTE Process, and Mpac Group to provide specialty equipment. There is no guarantee that such third-party technology or machinery will perform as expected; achieve the desired or expected automation or efficiency; or that FREYR will have enforceable guarantees or recourse from the providers. Additionally, FREYR’s equipment purchase agreements signed directly with suppliers may result in equipment that does not fully integrate with the 24M technology. Although such purchasing decisions will be partially based on 24M’s input and/or with 24M qualified suppliers, FREYR will not have any guarantee or recourse from 24M for such input, including if the equipment cannot be successfully integrated. FREYR will be responsible for any costs associated with achieving operability and integration of the equipment. There is a risk that FREYR will be unable to successfully operate such machinery and this design and integration work, including the work to be performed by third-parties, will involve a significant degree of uncertainty and risk.
FREYR’s CPQ and its gigafactories will require complex machinery, and such machinery will require routine maintenance and will likely suffer unexpected malfunctions from time to time, which will require repairs and spare parts to resume operations. Unexpected malfunctions of FREYR’s production equipment may significantly affect the intended operational efficiency, as can failures by suppliers to deliver necessary spare parts or components in a timely manner and at prices and volumes acceptable to FREYR. Additionally, environmental hazards, difficulty or delays in obtaining governmental permits, damages or defects in systems, industrial accidents, fire, seismic activity, and natural disasters can all effect the operation or intended operational efficiency of FREYR’s production equipment.
Operational or technical problems with FREYR’s manufacturing equipment could result in the personal injury to or death of workers, the loss of production equipment, damage to manufacturing facilities, monetary losses, delays and unanticipated fluctuations in production. In addition, in some cases operational or technical problems may result in environmental damage, administrative fines, increased insurance costs and potential legal liabilities. All of these operational or technical problems could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR’s planned manufacturing plants, facilities, systems, and infrastructure are subject to risks that could result in these facilities not becoming operable on schedule, or at all, or becoming damaged or destroyed, resulting in disruptions to FREYR’S battery cell production.
FREYR has leased the land for its planned facilities in Mo i Rana and contracted for a potential gigafactory site in Vaasa, Finland and FREYR holds the land for the intended site of the Company’s Giga America battery cell manufacturing project in Coweta County, Georgia, U.S. The construction of these plants, or other plants or facilities constructed in the future, and its related systems and infrastructure may be halted, damaged, or rendered uninhabitable or inoperable, by natural or man-made disasters, including earthquakes, fire, flood, typhoons, power outages, telecommunications failures, break-ins, political conflicts, war, riots, terrorist attacks, and health epidemics or pandemics. Any of the foregoing events may give rise to interruptions, breakdowns, system failures, technology platform failures, or internet failures, which could adversely affect FREYR’s ability to manufacture battery cells and could cause the loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of software or hardware.
The plant and equipment FREYR will use to manufacture the battery cells would be costly to repair, replace, or qualify for use, all of which could require substantial lead time. In addition, as a result of the concentration of the CQP and Giga Arctic facilities in Mo i Rana, Norway, FREYR’s operations could be more significantly affected by negative developments in this area than if its operations were spread out over several regions.
The inability to produce FREYR battery cells or the backlog that could develop if the manufacturing plant or facilities is inoperable for any length of time may result in the loss of customers or harm FREYR’s reputation. Although FREYR plans to obtain and maintain insurance for damage to its property and the disruption of its business, this insurance may be challenging to obtain and maintain on terms acceptable to FREYR and may not be sufficient to cover all of FREYR’s potential losses.
Any delays in the construction or equipping of FREYR’s manufacturing plants or any damage or destruction to these plants could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR may not be able to establish sufficient supply relationships for necessary components and materials which could prevent or delay the production of FREYR’s battery cells.
FREYR relies on third-party suppliers for components necessary to develop and manufacture its battery cells, including key supplies of cathode, anode, and other materials. Although FREYR has entered into definitive agreements for the supply of certain of these materials and supplies, FREYR has not yet concluded definitive supply agreements for all necessary inputs into its manufacturing process. FREYR currently depends on a number of 24M qualified third-party suppliers that have pre-existing relationships with 24M. As a result, any disagreement under or termination of the agreement with 24M may negatively affect FREYR’s ability to maintain relationships with such third-party suppliers. If FREYR is unable to source sufficient materials for its manufacturing operations from qualified suppliers at agreed upon times and quality and in sufficient quantities, FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
FREYR brands itself as a manufacturer of environmentally clean, low-cost battery cells, which are produced using an ethically and sustainably-sourced supply chain. FREYR cannot guarantee that its suppliers will maintain agreed-upon quality and sourcing standards. If FREYR is unable to partner with such suppliers or if such materials are not available in the geographic areas where we plan to operate at sufficient quality and quantities, FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
FREYR has not contracted with and secured and qualified secondary suppliers for all of the key inputs in its manufacturing process. Any disruption in the supply of components or materials could temporarily delay or disrupt the production of FREYR’s battery cells until an alternative supplier is able to supply the required material. The production of FREYR’s battery cells involves complex interdependent processes, and as such, disruption in one component of the supply chain could materially affect other components or materials, which could lead to further delays and adverse effects. Supply disruptions could originate with or be exacerbated by unforeseen circumstances, governmental changes, international conflicts, international health crises or pandemics, and other factors both within and beyond FREYR’s ability to control or anticipate. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR may be unable to adequately control the costs or adjust to substantial increases in the prices for FREYR’s raw materials, components, equipment, and machinery.
FREYR is exposed to multiple risks relating to the availability and pricing of raw materials and components. FREYR has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, significant costs related to procuring components and materials required to manufacture and assemble its battery cells, modules, and packs. FREYR expects to use various expensive and difficult-to-source materials in its manufacturing. Prices of certain materials, such as lithium, are commodities, which are subject to volatile market price fluctuations, which can be difficult to predict. FREYR may not be able to control fluctuation in the prices for these materials or negotiate agreements with suppliers on terms that are beneficial to FREYR. Inflation, increases in building material costs, changing exchange rates, and other factors have impacted FREYR’s expenses in the past. In the future, currency fluctuations, trade barriers, tariffs, shortages and other general economic or political conditions may limit FREYR’s ability to obtain key components for its battery cells or significantly increase freight charges, raw material costs and other expenses associated with FREYR’s business. Additionally, FREYR’s business model, brand, and reputation depend in part on the ability to find ethically sourced materials, which could further increase prices.
Manufacturing of battery cells, modules, and packs is a capital-intensive process that requires a significant investment in buildings, equipment, and components of the manufacturing process. Investment in high-tech equipment could allow FREYR to be more flexible in responding to customer needs and specifications, and could allow for more efficient manufacturing operations, however, such equipment can be expensive to purchase, install, and maintain. The cost of purchasing or constructing manufacturing operations is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties both within and beyond FREYR’s ability to control. This can include, but is not limited to, inflationary pressures on costs, increased commodity pricing for building materials such as steel, and increased global logistics costs.
Given the competitive nature of the market FREYR operates in, it is unlikely that increases in expenses can be passed on to customers, thus substantial increases in the prices for FREYR’s raw materials or components could materially and adversely affect FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR is sensitive to increases in the cost or supply of electricity.
Access to low-cost and reliable sources of electricity is important to FREYR’s business. The business depends on low electricity prices and any fluctuation in such prices could adversely affect FREYR’s business and prospects. Electricity prices, regulations, and power generation methods can vary significantly for different locations.
In Norway, electricity prices are determined in a highly regulated Norwegian and EEA-wide marketplace, in which local prices are strongly affected by constraints and changes in constraints on transmission and storage of electricity. Changes in regulations and changes in infrastructure may increase FREYR’s cost of electricity, which it may not be able to pass on to customers through increased prices, or such price increases may reduce demand. FREYR is also exposed to changes in grid tariffs as a result of contemplated investments in power grids and changes in the grid structure in Norway, either of which would likely cause the grid operator to raise tariffs in order to finance such investments or changes.
In 2022, FREYR took several steps to secure raw materials and the required energy supply for its facilities in Mo i Rana. FREYR signed a long-term physical supply agreement with Statkraft, Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy. The agreement provides a supply of hydropower renewable energy to cover substantially all of FREYR’s currently anticipated electricity needs for the CQP and Giga Arctic facilities during the period of 2023 to 2031 and ensures physical delivery of energy from the central grid in Mo i Rana. There can be no assurance that this contract will provide energy prices that are favorable as compared to market prices during the contract period, provide sufficient power for all of FREYR’s needs in the region, and offset most or all risks of rising energy prices. In addition, the contract may provide more power or provide power at different time periods than FREYR ultimately needs, which could result in additional costs or exposure for FREYR.
Additionally, FREYR has not yet negotiated power supply agreements for its other planned or potential locations, which subjects FREYR to potential energy price fluctuations in these areas. Any of the above impacts could materially and adversely affect FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR’s current and expected use of joint ventures and other collaborative arrangements subjects FREYR to various risks and uncertainties.
FREYR has in the past entered into, and anticipates in the future entering into, joint ventures or other collaboration arrangements with various partners with expertise in raw material supply, component manufacturing, battery cell manufacturing, battery modules and packs, and other synergistic proficiencies. However, there can be no assurance that FREYR will be able to consummate such joint ventures or other arrangements or that such arrangements will provide the expected benefits to FREYR. Joint venture arrangements have in the past and may in the future require FREYR, among other things, to pay certain costs, make certain capital investments, or seek the joint venture partner’s consent to take certain actions. In addition, if a joint venture partner is unable or unwilling to meet its economic or other obligations under the joint venture arrangements, FREYR may be required to either fulfill those obligations alone or dissolve and liquidate the joint venture. As a result, such joint ventures and collaborative arrangements could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR may not be able to successfully identify, conclude contracts with, and generate revenues from target customers.
FREYR’s success depends on its ability to generate revenues and operate profitably, which depends in large part on its ability to identify, negotiate and sign sales agreements with, and generate revenues from its target customers. FREYR’s long-term success will require FREYR to maintain relationships with its customers and provide battery cells, packs, and modules that meet needs. Although FREYR has entered into, and plans to enter into, conditional and definitive offtake and sales agreements, as of December 31, 2022, FREYR has not yet initiated manufacturing or derived revenue from its principal business activities.
If FREYR is unable to negotiate, finalize, and maintain definitive sales agreements, including converting conditional offtake agreements into definitive sales agreements and satisfying any contractual conditions of its conditional or definitive off-take and sales agreements, or if FREYR is unable to generate revenues on terms that are favorable to FREYR, this could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
If FREYR’s battery cells fail to perform as expected, FREYR’s ability to market and sell its battery cells could be harmed and FREYR could be subject to increased warranty claims.
FREYR’s battery cells are inherently complex and incorporate technology and components that may contain defects and errors, particularly when first introduced. FREYR has not yet and may be unable to fully evaluate the long-term performance of its battery cells prior to their introduction to the market. Once commercial production of FREYR’s battery cells commences, its battery cells may contain defects in design and manufacture that may cause them to not perform as expected. There can be no assurance that FREYR will be able to detect and fix any defects in its battery cells prior to their sale.
If FREYR’s battery cells fail to perform as expected, either before or after market introduction, this could result in the repair, recall, or redesign of FREYR’s battery cells. Additionally, this could cause customers to delay deliveries, terminate further orders, or pursue warranty claims against FREYR, any of which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
Lithium-ion battery cells have been observed to become hot, vent smoke, and catch fire.
Lithium-ion battery cells can rapidly release the energy they contain by generating heat, venting smoke, and extreme examples, catching fire. This can cause the destruction of the battery cell as well as ignite nearby materials and other lithium-ion cells. Negative publicity of such past incidents has generated negative public perceptions regarding the suitability of lithium-ion cells, and any future incident involving lithium-ion cells, even if such an incident does not involve FREYR battery cells, could seriously harm FREYR’s business and reputation. Any incident involving FREYR’s battery cells, regardless of if FREYR is ultimately deemed responsible, could result in lawsuits, recalls, or redesign efforts, all of which would be time-consuming and expensive and could harm FREYR’s brand image.
Once FREYR begins manufacturing its battery cells, FREYR will need to store a significant number of lithium-ion cells at its facilities. FREYR will need to implement safety procedures related to the handling and storage of battery cells. Any mishandling of battery cells may cause damage to or disruption of the operation of FREYR’s facilities. Additionally,
any fire or other event impacting the safety of FREYR personnel or facilities could be worsened by the materials and components used in the manufacturing of lithium-ion battery cells.
Any incident involving FREYR’s battery cells or facilities, regardless of FREYR ultimately being deemed responsible, could result in adverse publicity, lawsuits, recalls, or redesign efforts, or could result in product warranty claims, all of which would be time-consuming and expensive and could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
Doing business internationally creates operational, financial, and tax risks for FREYR’s business.
FREYR’s business plan includes operations in international markets, including Norway, the U.S., and Europe, and eventual expansion into other international markets. Conducting and launching operations on an international scale requires close coordination of activities across multiple jurisdictions, time zones, currencies, and legal systems, which consumes significant management resources. International sales and operations entail a variety of risks, including challenges in:
•Staffing and managing foreign operations;
•Complying with local laws, regulatory requirements, and business practices;
•Protecting or procuring intellectual property rights;
•Addressing political and economic instability;
•Obtaining export licenses and managing tariffs and other trade barriers; and
•Addressing currency needs and exchange rate fluctuations.
Any of the above challenges could favor local companies or could result in delivery delays, significant taxes, or other burdens for FREYR. If FREYR fails to coordinate and manage these activities effectively, its business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
In addition, the corporate structure of FREYR and its subsidiaries with entities in several jurisdictions such as Norway, Luxembourg, the U.S., Finland, and the Cayman Islands, is subject to tax risk in addition to the challenges described above. The expected tax treatment of FREYR and its subsidiaries relies on current tax laws and regulations, as well as certain tax treaties between several jurisdictions. As such, unexpected changes, interpretation, application, or enforcement practices of the legislative or regulatory requirements of such tax laws, including but not limited to, changes in the treatment of sales and net income (losses) earned in various jurisdictions, transfer pricing between related parties, tax treaty protections and provisions, value added taxes, recognition of tax law principles, and other changes in corporate tax law, could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR relies on information technology and any failure, inadequacy, interruption, or security lapse of that technology, including any cybersecurity incidents, could harm its ability to operate its business effectively.
Organized crime, government-backed threat actors, and hackers may be able to penetrate FREYR’s network or systems, misappropriate or compromise its confidential information or that of third parties, create system disruptions, corrupt data, or cause shutdowns. Using different tools and methodologies the threat actors may be able to deploy malware that attacks FREYR’s systems or FREYR supplier’s systems, or otherwise exploits any security vulnerabilities of FREYR’s facilities and equipment. Such vulnerabilities in FREYR’s systems can also occur due to a lack of robustness, quality, integrity, and holistic architecture in the digital systems as a whole. While FREYR employs a number of technical, organizational, and physical protective measures, these measures have in the past and may in the future fail to prevent or detect all attacks on or weaknesses in its systems.
In addition, FREYR’s hardware and software, including third-party components and software, may contain defects in design or manufacture, including “bugs”, security vulnerabilities, and other problems that could unexpectedly interfere with FREYR’s security or operations. The costs to FREYR to eliminate or mitigate cyber or other security problems, bugs, viruses, worms, malware, and security vulnerabilities could be significant and, if its efforts to address these problems are not successful, could result in interruptions, delays, cessation of service, and loss of existing or potential customers that may impede its manufacturing, sales, distribution, or other critical functions.
FREYR manages and stores various proprietary, sensitive, and confidential information and data relating to its business as well as from its suppliers and customers. Breaches this information and data by FREYR or any third party due to insufficient security measures, accidental loss, inadvertent disclosure, or unapproved dissemination, including incidents as a result of fraud, trickery, or other forms of deception, could expose FREYR or its customers or suppliers to a risk of loss or misuse of this information.
Any claim that FREYR’s facilities, equipment, products, or systems are subject to cybersecurity risk or data breaches, whether legitimate or not, could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
To the extent FREYR experiences cybersecurity incidents in the future, its relationships with its customers and suppliers may be materially impacted, its brand and reputation may be harmed and it could incur substantial costs in responding to and remediating the incidents and in resolving any investigations or disputes that may result, any of which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
In addition, the cost and operational consequences of implementing and adding further data protection measures could be significant.
Any financial or economic crisis, or perceived threat of such a crisis, could affect FREYR’s business.
In recent years, the global economies suffered dramatic downturns as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a deterioration in credit markets and the related financial crisis, political conflicts and unrest, as well as a variety of other factors. This has resulted in, among other impacts, volatility in security prices, diminished liquidity and credit availability, and rating downgrades and declining values of certain investments. The U.S. and certain other governments have taken unprecedented actions in an attempt to address and rectify these extreme market and economic conditions by providing liquidity and stability to the financial markets. The outcome of the actions taken by these governments is still ongoing, and consequently, the return of adverse economic conditions may negatively impact the demand for FREYR’s battery cells and may negatively impact FREYR’s ability to raise capital, on acceptable terms or at all.
If FREYR is unable to attract and retain key employees and qualified personnel and add significant staff, it could negatively impact its ability to operate its business and achieve its growth plans.
FREYR’s success depends on its ability to attract and retain key personnel, including its executive officers, as well as qualified sales, marketing, manufacturing, plant operations, and support personnel. Additionally, FREYR’s success depends on the ability to attract and retain personnel in highly technical positions including research and development, battery technology, and engineering. To build and staff its manufacturing facilities, FREYR will need to hire, train, and retain a considerable number of qualified and experienced operators and managers. The successful integration of these operators and their families in Mo i Rana will involve several challenges, including the location in the Arctic, providing sufficient and adequate housing in the small municipality, establishing English schooling for international children, and finding relevant local jobs for spouses. The failure to add and retain sufficient staffing for its plants and operations could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
Given the expected growth in the battery industry, there is an increased risk that competitors or other companies will seek to hire FREYR’s experienced and key personnel. This could result in the loss of key employees or an increase in costs to retain key personnel. The loss of FREYR’s executive officers and key employees and an inability to find suitable replacements as well as, any failure by FREYR’s management team and key employees to perform as expected may have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR is an early-stage company with a history of financial losses and expects to incur significant expenses and generate losses for the foreseeable future.
As of December 31, 2022, FREYR has not yet initiated manufacturing or derived revenue from its principal business activities. FREYR believes that it will continue to use cash to fund operations and will incur net losses until it begins significant commercial production of its battery cells. FREYR expects the rate at which it uses cash and incurs losses to be significantly higher in future periods as it, among other things, ramps up spending to construct and equip its manufacturing plants and increases technology licensing, R&D, sales, marketing, and general and administrative functions to support its growing operations.
FREYR may find that these efforts are more expensive than it currently anticipates or that these efforts may not result in revenues when anticipated or at all, which would have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
Risks Relating to FREYR’s Intellectual Property
If FREYR is unable to assert, enforce, and otherwise protect the intellectual property rights licensed from 24M this could negatively affect FREYR’s business.
Under the 24M License, FREYR does not have the right to assert, enforce, or protect any of the intellectual property licensed from 24M. In addition, certain patents licensed from 24M are jointly owned by 24M and third parties. FREYR must therefore rely on 24M and the affected third parties to take actions necessary to support and defend their patents, and such actions may not be sufficient. FREYR may also face claims that its use of the 24M License or other intellectual property infringes the rights of others. For these claims, FREYR may seek indemnification from 24M under the 24M License, however, FREYR’s rights to indemnification may be unavailable or insufficient to cover its costs and losses, including as necessary the cost of litigation.
Loss of the rights to the intellectual property in the 24M License could result in its competitors using the 24M intellectual property to offer products in direct competition with FREYR, potentially resulting in the loss of FREYR’s competitive advantage, which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
If FREYR is unable to protect its intellectual property rights, including its licensing rights to third-party intellectual property, its business and competitive position would be harmed.
FREYR seeks to establish and protect intellectual property rights through nondisclosure and invention assignment agreements with its employees and consultants, and through nondisclosure agreements with business partners and other third parties. Despite FREYR’s efforts to protect its proprietary rights, third parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and
use FREYR’s intellectual property. Monitoring unauthorized use of FREYR’s intellectual property will be difficult and costly, and the steps FREYR has taken, and will take in the future, to prevent misappropriation may not be sufficient. Any of FREYR’s enforcement efforts, including litigation, could be time-consuming and expensive and could divert management’s attention. In addition, existing intellectual property laws and contractual remedies may afford less protection than needed to safeguard FREYR’s intellectual property. Failure to adequately protect such intellectual property could result in competitors offering similar products, potentially resulting in the loss of FREYR’s competitive advantage, which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR has not established or protected, and may not be able to establish, adequately protect, or prevent unauthorized use of any material intellectual property developed or owned by FREYR. Patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secrecy laws vary significantly throughout the world. A number of countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of European countries or the U.S. Failure to establish, adequately protect, or prevent unauthorized use of FREYR’s intellectual property rights could result in its competitors using the intellectual property to offer similar products, potentially resulting in the loss of FREYR’s competitive advantage, which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
For FREYR to establish or adequately protect its intellectual property and prevent or stop infringement, FREYR may have to file infringement claims. Such claims can be time-consuming and costly to assert and there can be no assurance that any such claims will be successful. Policing unauthorized use of intellectual property is difficult and costly, and FREYR may not successfully prevent the misappropriation of its proprietary rights. Unauthorized use of intellectual property may damage FREYR’s reputation, decrease the value of such property, and reduce its market share.
Loss of key personnel may also create a risk that such personnel may exploit knowledge, information, and know-how to the detriment of FREYR, and/or that FREYR may face difficulties to operate its technology or business methods as a result of the loss of such personnel. FREYR cannot be assured that its know-how and trade secrets will provide FREYR with any competitive advantage, as the know-how and trade secrets may become known to, or be independently developed by, others including FREYR’s competitors, regardless of measures FREYR may take to try to preserve the confidentiality. FREYR cannot give assurance that its measures for preserving its trade secrets and confidential information are sufficient to prevent others from obtaining such information.
FREYR may need to defend itself against intellectual property infringement claims, which may be time-consuming and could cause it to incur substantial costs.
Companies, organizations, or individuals, including FREYR’s current and future competitors, may hold or obtain patents, trademarks, or other proprietary rights that would prevent, limit, or interfere with FREYR’s ability to make, use, develop, or sell its products, which could make it more difficult for FREYR to operate its business. From time to time, FREYR may receive inquiries from holders of patents or trademarks, inquiring whether FREYR is infringing their proprietary rights and/or seek court declarations that they do not infringe upon FREYR’s owned and/or licensed intellectual property rights. Additionally, third parties may claim that 24M, or the holders of other intellectual property licensed by FREYR, are infringing on their technology. Companies holding patents or other intellectual property rights relating to battery cells may bring suits alleging infringement of such rights, or otherwise asserting their rights and seeking licenses. In addition, if FREYR, 24M or any of FREYR’s suppliers are determined to have infringed upon a third party’s intellectual property rights, FREYR may be required to do one or more of the following:
•Cease selling, incorporating, or using products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property;
•Pay substantial damages;
•Obtain a license from the holder of the infringed intellectual property right, which license may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all;
•Redesign its battery cells; or
•Change battery cell technology providers.
In the event of a successful claim of infringement against FREYR and its failure or inability to obtain a license for the infringed technology, FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In addition, any litigation or claims, whether or not valid, could result in substantial costs and the diversion of resources and management’s attention.
Risks Relating to Industry and Market Trends and Developments
The battery industry and its technology are rapidly evolving and may be subject to unforeseen changes, such as technological breakthroughs in existing or competitive technologies that could adversely affect the demand for FREYR’s battery cells.
FREYR may be unable to keep up with technological changes in the rapidly evolving battery industry. FREYR’s competitors include major battery manufacturers, automotive OEMs, battery industry start-ups, and potential new entrants to the industry. There are several development-stage companies seeking to improve conventional lithium-ion batteries or to develop new technologies or chemistries for batteries. Any failure by FREYR to successfully react to changes in existing technologies could materially harm its competitive position and growth prospects. Furthermore, the battery industry also competes with other emerging or evolving technologies, such as nuclear fusion, hydrogen energy storage, and carbon capture storage and sequestration.
FREYR expects competition in battery technology for EVs to intensify due to a regulatory push for EVs, continuing globalization, and consolidation in the worldwide automotive industry. Improvements in battery technology made by EV battery competitors or if a competing process or technology is developed that has superior operational or price performance, FREYR’s business would be harmed.
If FREYR is unable to keep up with competitive developments, including if such technologies can be manufactured at lower prices or enjoy greater policy support than lithium-ion batteries, FREYR’s competitive position and growth prospects may be harmed or FREYR’s battery cells could become obsolete or noncompetitive. If FREYR’s battery cells cannot effectively compete with other products, then FREYR’s manufacturing facilities may be no longer needed and may have less or no value, and FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
The battery industry continues to evolve, is highly competitive, and FREYR may not be successful in competing in this industry or establishing and maintaining confidence in its long-term business prospects among current and future partners and customers.
The battery market in which FREYR intends to compete continues to evolve and is highly competitive. Many of FREYR’s competitors are large entities at a more advanced stage of development and commercialization and with more resources than FREYR. Although FREYR believes the 24M technology, has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of battery cells, there is no guarantee that the 24M technology or other technology acquired or licensed by FREYR, will be able to deliver the advantages and cost savings anticipated by FREYR. In addition, battery manufacturers may continue to reduce the cost of the conventional manufacturing process and expand their supply of battery cells, reducing FREYR’s business prospects and negatively impacting FREYR’s ability to sell its products at a competitive price and generate sufficient margins.
FREYR continues to commit significant resources to develop its manufacturing operations and establish its position in the competitive battery industry. There is no assurance FREYR will successfully identify and employ the right strategy to effectively compete. Customers, suppliers, potential partners and collaborators will be less likely to conduct business with FREYR if they are not convinced that its business will succeed in the long-term. Accordingly, in order to build and maintain its business, FREYR must establish and maintain confidence among current and future customers, suppliers, and business partners, as well as with analysts, rating agencies, and other parties to maintain its long-term financial viability and business prospects. Developing and maintaining such a positive image in the industry may be complicated by certain factors, including those that are largely outside of FREYR’s control, such as the actions of 24M or our competitors as well as the general perception of the battery industry and competing technologies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR’s future growth and success are dependent upon increasing electrification of current energy sources driven by consumers’ willingness to adopt electrified forms of transportation, the prices of such transportation, and continued government and social support for the increased development of renewable sources of energy.
FREYR’s growth and future demand for FREYR’s products are highly dependent upon the adoption by consumers of electrified forms of transportation, including EVs, the prices for such transportation, as well as the increased use of intermittent forms of energy which will require energy storage systems. The market for EVs is still rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, pricing, competitive factors, government regulation, industry standards, and consumer demands and behaviors. If the market for EVs, in general, does not develop as expected or develops more slowly than expected, FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Additionally, one of FREYR’s primary markets is ESS, which is largely driven by the installed capacity of renewable electricity generation and increasing demand for renewable sources of power. Since many of these renewable sources of power are intermittent, like wind and solar, the energy produced by them must be stored for use when there is demand. Should government requirements for these intermittent power sources be relaxed or social desires for lower carbon sources of energy decline, there could be a detrimental impact on one of FREYR’s primary markets.
FREYR’s competitiveness, brand, and reputation depend on the ability to build low-carbon battery cells from an ethically and sustainably-sourced supply chain. If FREYR is unable to do so, damage to FREYR’s brand and reputation could harm FREYR’s business.
FREYR’s business will depend on establishing and maintaining its brand and reputation for building low-carbon battery cells from an ethically and sustainably-sourced supply chain, as well as FREYR’s ability to qualify as a supplier of low-carbon batteries based on customers’ expectations and requirements. If FREYR is unable to manufacture batteries with a lower carbon footprint than the traditional battery production process, or obtain its materials from ethical and sustainable suppliers, its brand, reputation, and ability to become a qualified supplier to certain customers could be significantly impaired, which could affect FREYR’s business.
Additionally, FREYR expects to rapidly scale up its workforce, leading it in some instances to hire personnel or partner with third parties who, it may later determine, do not fit FREYR’s culture or mission. If FREYR cannot manage its hiring and training processes to avoid potential changes to its culture and mission, its business and reputation may be harmed and its ability to attract customers would suffer. In addition, if FREYR were unable to achieve a similar level of brand recognition as its competitors, some of which currently have a broader brand footprint as a result of greater resources, longer
operational history, or more prominent branding as automotive OEMs, FREYR could lose recognition in the marketplace, among prospective customers, suppliers, and partners, which could affect its growth and financial performance.
Any significant decline in FREYR’s reputation, brand, culture, or ability to deliver low-carbon, responsibly sourced battery cells, could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, revenues, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR’s future growth and success depend on its ability to sell effectively to large customers.
FREYR’s potential customers are large enterprises, including in ESS, automotive manufacturers, and maritime industry sectors. Therefore, FREYR’s future success will largely depend on its ability to effectively sell its products to large customers. Sales to these customers involve risks that may not be present (or that are present to a lesser extent) with sales to smaller customers. These risks include, but are not limited to, the increased purchasing power and leverage held by large customers in negotiating contractual arrangements and longer sales cycles, with the associated risk that substantial time and resources may be spent on a potential customer that elects not to purchase FREYR’s products.
Large enterprises often undertake a significant evaluation process that results in a lengthy sales cycle. In addition, product purchases by large organizations are frequently subject to budget constraints, multiple approvals, unanticipated administrative processing, and other delays. Additionally, large enterprises typically have longer implementation cycles, require greater product functionality and scalability, require a broader range of services, demand that vendors take on a larger share of risks, require acceptance provisions that can lead to a delay in revenue recognition, and expect greater payment flexibility. All of these factors can add further risk to business conducted with these potential customers.
FREYR may not be able to accurately estimate the future supply and demand for its battery cells, which could result in a variety of inefficiencies in its business and hinder its ability to generate revenues. If FREYR fails to accurately predict its manufacturing requirements, it could incur additional costs or experience delays.
FREYR’s business is closely related to the production levels of its future customers, whose businesses are dependent on highly cyclical markets, such as the automotive, maritime, and renewable energy industries. This can make it more difficult to predict future revenues and appropriately budget for expenses. As a result, FREYR may have limited insight into trends that may emerge and affect its business.
Furthermore, FREYR’s customers, in response to unfavorable or cyclical market conditions, may request delays to shipment dates or other contract modifications or may default, terminate, or not renew their contractual arrangements with FREYR. Consequently, the financial performance of FREYR could fluctuate with general economic cycles, a decline in which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR’s ability to provide forecasts of its needs and order materials from its suppliers will involve judgment and risk, as FREYR does not have a historical basis for estimating its material usage in large-scale manufacturing or the demand for FREYR’s battery cells. In addition, lead times for suppliers to provide materials and components may vary significantly and depend on various factors, including contract terms, availability of materials, and demand for components. If FREYR overestimates its requirements, its suppliers may have excess inventory, which could increase costs, and if FREYR underestimates its requirements, its suppliers may have inadequate inventory, which could interrupt the manufacturing process and result in delays in shipments and revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
The increase in competition and advances in technology in the battery industry is expected to cause substantial downward pressure on the prices of battery cells and may cause FREYR to lose sales or market share.
Global battery cell production capacity has been increasing, with significant new battery capacity projects currently in various stages of development. This has in the past, and may in the future, result in substantial downward pressure on the price of battery cells. Advances in battery technology and manufacturing techniques can also drive downward pressure on the price of battery cells. A principal component of FREYR’s business strategy is to obtain a competitive advantage by reducing its costs to manufacture battery cells when compared to the cost structure of traditional battery manufacturers. If FREYR’s competitors are able to reduce manufacturing costs faster or further than FREYR can, its battery cells may become less competitive. Further, if raw materials and other third-party component costs were to increase, FREYR may not meet its cost reduction targets. If FREYR cannot effectively execute its strategy to compete on a basis of low cost manufacturing, FREYR’s competitive position could suffer and FREYR could lose market share. Intensifying competition could also cause FREYR to lose sales or market share. Such price reductions or the loss of sales or market share could have a negative impact on FREYR’s revenue and margins, and could materially adversely affect FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
Risks Relating to Finance and Accounting
The manufacturing of battery cells is capital-intensive, and FREYR may not be able to raise additional capital on attractive terms, if at all, which could materially adversely affect FREYR’s ability to operate its business and execute its growth plans. If FREYR does raise additional capital, through debt or equity financing, this could impose additional restrictions on FREYR’s operations and/or have a dilutive effect on current stockholders.
The development, design, manufacturing, and sale of batteries is a capital-intensive business. Prior to generating revenues and positive operating cash flows, FREYR must invest significant capital to construct and equip its manufacturing plant or plants, fund R&D activities, hire personnel, and otherwise fund its operations and overhead spending.
FREYR’s long-term operating needs and planned investments in its business and manufacturing footprint, as currently devised, will require significant financing to complete. Such financing may not be available at acceptable terms, or at all. Interest rates are subject to fluctuation, and rising interest rates could increase FREYR’s cost of capital. The credit market and financial services industry have in the past, and may in the future, experience periods of uncertainty that could impact the availability and cost of equity and debt financing. If FREYR is unable to raise substantial additional capital in the near term, its ability to invest in Giga Arctic, Giga America, and other gigafactories or development projects will be significantly delayed or curtailed.
If we raise funds by issuing debt securities, these debt securities would have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of holders of our ordinary shares. The terms of debt securities or other borrowings could impose significant restrictions on our operations. Additionally, debt financing may require certain conditions precedent to funding, including but not limited to, manufacturing of sample battery cells at a FREYR facility meeting customer specifications and the execution of definitive off-take agreements representing a minimum amount of revenue or percentage of production capacity.
If we raise funds or otherwise fund transactions by issuing FREYR ordinary shares or other equity securities, dilution to stockholders may result. Any equity securities issued may also provide for rights, preferences, or privileges senior to those of holders of FREYR’s ordinary shares.
Any of the above scenarios could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
FREYR’s forward-looking disclosures rely in large part on assumptions and analyses, for which actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
FREYR’s forward-looking disclosures reflect management’s current estimates of future performance. Whether actual results and business developments will be consistent with FREYR’s expectations and assumptions depends on a number of factors, including those both within and outside of FREYR’s control. These include, but are not limited to:
•Success and timing of development activity;
•Estimated cost of constructing and equipping FREYR’s gigafactories and other development activities;
•Government incentives that could impact the relative competitiveness of our gigafactories;
•Estimated cost of materials, supplies, and components, and FREYR’s ability to pass such cost increases on to its customers;
•FREYR’s ability to enter into definitive contracts with customers and suppliers on favorable terms, or at all;
•Customer acceptance of FREYR’s products;
•Competition, including from established and future competitors;
•Whether FREYR can manage relationships with customers and key suppliers;
•FREYR’s ability to retain existing executive officers and key personnel, as well as to attract, integrate, retain, and motivate qualified personnel; and
•General macroeconomic and battery industry trends.
Unfavorable changes in any of these or other factors could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
If FREYR is unable to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy of FREYR’s financial reports and FREYR may face litigation or other action.
As a public company, FREYR is required to comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the listing regulations of the NYSE, and various other accounting and reporting requirements. Company responsibilities required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act include establishing corporate oversight and adequate internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Effective internal controls are necessary for FREYR to produce reliable financial reports and to help prevent and detect financial fraud.
For the year ended December 31, 2022 and future periods, FREYR must perform system and process evaluation and testing of its internal controls over financial reporting, and management must report on the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
If FREYR fails to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of its financial reports, which could cause the price of FREYR’s ordinary shares to decline. In addition, FREYR could become subject to investigations by the NYSE, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional management attention and could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
If FREYR, or its independent registered public accounting firm, identifies a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting, including one that is not sufficiently and swiftly remediated, FREYR may face inquiry or action by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, potential litigation, or other disputes which may include, but are not limited to, claims invoking the federal and state securities laws and/or contractual claims. Any such action, litigation, or dispute, whether successful or not, would require additional financial and management resources and could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
FREYR’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
FREYR expects to incur significant net cash outflows and net operating loss carryforwards, while it constructs and equips its manufacturing plants and starts operations. As of December 31, 2022 we had significant net operating loss carryforwards in both Norway and Luxembourg. Utilization of these loss carryforwards assumes that prior to their expiration, FREYR will have sufficient taxable income in these countries to utilize the carryforwards, and that such usage is not limited based on anti-abuse provisions or other statutes and laws. Any such limitations on FREYR’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards and other tax assets could adversely impact its tax expense, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Changes in government and economic incentives could have a material adverse effect on FREYR.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was signed into law in the U.S. The IRA is expected to drive lower battery costs and prices in the U.S., while potentially leading to a surge in domestic ESS activity. The passage of the IRA, any responses by the European Union or the government of Norway, or any similar or competing economic incentive packages, could significantly impact the profitability of certain of FREYR’s planned operations and as a result, could impact FREYR’s decisions concerning the allocation of capital. Any new implementation, changes, reduction, elimination, or discriminatory application of government subsidies and economic incentives could have a material impact on the battery industry, FREYR’s operations, and the relative competitiveness of its gigafactories.
While certain tax credits and other incentives for clean and renewable energy products have been available in the past and like the IRA, have been recently enacted, there is no guarantee these programs will continue to be available in the future. If current tax incentives are not available in the future, or if FREYR makes business decisions based on incentives that are later revised or removed, this could materially and adversely affect FREYR’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
FREYR may be a passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC,” for the current and future taxable years, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors.
A non-U.S. corporation is treated as a PFIC for any taxable year if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for such year is passive income, or (2) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income.
If FREYR is a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof), that is included in the holding period of a U.S. holder of FREYR securities, the U.S. holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and/or additional reporting requirements. Based on its income and assets (including the value of its goodwill and other unbooked intangibles), FREYR does not believe it was a PFIC for its taxable year ended December 31, 2022, and does not expect to be a PFIC for its current taxable year or for foreseeable future taxable years.
However, no assurance can be given with respect to FREYR’s PFIC status for the current taxable year or for foreseeable future taxable years, because whether FREYR is a PFIC for any given taxable year is a fact-intensive determination made annually at the close of each taxable year and depends on, among other things, the composition of FREYR’s income and assets, and the market value of its shares and assets (which may be volatile). Accordingly, there can be no assurance of FREYR’s PFIC status for any current or any subsequent taxable year. Moreover, if FREYR is treated as a PFIC for any taxable year that is included in the holding period of a U.S. holder of FREYR securities, FREYR will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. holder, whether or not FREYR is a PFIC in subsequent years.
If FREYR determines it is a PFIC for any taxable year, it will endeavor to make available to U.S. holders such information as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may require, including a PFIC Annual Information Statement, in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a “qualified electing fund” election, but there can be no assurance that FREYR will timely provide such required information, and such election would likely be unavailable with respect to FREYR’s warrants. U.S. holders of FREYR securities are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of the PFIC rules to them.
Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Compliance
FREYR may become subject to product liability claims, which could harm its business and liquidity if it is not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims.
FREYR may become subject to product liability claims, even those without merit. FREYR faces an inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event its battery cells do not perform as expected, or in the event of a malfunction resulting in personal injury or death. A successful product liability claim against FREYR could require FREYR to pay a substantial monetary award, in the form of compensatory or punitive damages, and generate significant legal fees. Moreover, a product liability claim could generate substantial negative publicity about FREYR, which would have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s brand and reputation. Insurance coverage may not cover specific product liability claims, is unlikely to cover punitive damages, and may be insufficient to cover all expenses and monetary awards. Any lawsuit seeking significant monetary damages in excess of, or outside of, FREYR’s insurance coverage, could materially and adversely affect FREYR’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
FREYR may not be able to secure product liability insurance coverage at commercially acceptable terms, or at all, and past product liability claims may make it more difficult for FREYR to find insurance coverage in the future.
From time to time, FREYR may be involved in commercial or contractual disputes, warranty claims, and other legal proceedings, which could have an adverse impact on FREYR.
FREYR may be involved in commercial or contractual disputes, warranty claims, and other legal proceedings, which could be significant. These are typically claims that arise in the normal course of business including, without limitation, disputes with suppliers or customers; intellectual property matters; personal injury claims; environmental issues; tax matters; and employment matters. It is difficult to predict the outcome or ultimate financial exposure, if any, represented by these matters, and there can be no assurance that any such exposure will not be material.
Additionally, when FREYR begins to manufacture and distribute its battery cells, FREYR will be subject to warranty claims and will need to maintain warranty reserves to cover such claims. If FREYR’s warranty claims are significant or unexpected, if warranty claims are more expensive to resolve than anticipated, or if FREYR’s warranty reserves are inadequate, FREYR’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
FREYR’s Consolidated Articles of Association (the “Articles”) include a forum selection clause, which may impact shareholders’ ability to bring actions against FREYR.
The Articles provide that, unless FREYR consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the U.S. will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, a court may decline to enforce these exclusive forum provisions with respect to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or any other claim for which the federal and state courts have concurrent jurisdiction, and FREYR shareholders may not be deemed to have waived its compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. If a court were to find the exclusive forum provisions to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, FREYR may incur additional difficulties and costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.
Claims for indemnification by FREYR’s directors and officers may reduce FREYR’s available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against FREYR and may reduce the amount of money available to FREYR.
The Articles provide that FREYR will indemnify its directors and officers, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by Luxembourg law. More specifically, the Articles and FREYR’s existing and anticipated indemnification agreements with its directors and officers, provide that, subject to the exceptions and limitations listed below, every person who is, or has been, a director or officer of FREYR or a direct or indirect subsidiary of FREYR (an “Indemnified Person”) shall be indemnified by FREYR to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit, or proceeding which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been such director or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof.
The words “claim”, “action”, “suit”, and “proceeding” include all actual or threatened claims, actions, suits, and civil or criminal proceedings, including appeals. The words “liability” and “expenses” include without limitation attorneys’ fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, and other liabilities. However, no indemnification shall be provided to an Indemnified Person:
•by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties of a director or officer;
•with respect to any matter as to which any director or officer has been finally adjudicated to have acted in bad faith and against the interest of FREYR; or
•in the event of a settlement, unless approved by a court or the Board of Directors.
FREYR may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection or make other arrangements, including, but not limited to, providing a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond on behalf of an Indemnified Person against any liability asserted against, incurred by, or incurred on behalf of him or her in their capacity as an Indemnified Person. The right of indemnification will be severable, will not affect any other rights to which an Indemnified Person may now or in the future be entitled, will continue as to a person who has ceased to be such director or officer and will inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a person. The right to indemnification is not exclusive and will not affect any rights to indemnification to which corporate personnel, including directors and officers, may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law. Expenses in connection with the preparation and representation of a defense of any claim, action, suit, or proceeding will be advanced by FREYR prior to the final disposition thereof upon receipt of any undertaking by or on behalf of the officer or director, to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.
FREYR’s battery cells and its website, systems, and data it maintains may be subject to intentional disruption, other security incidents, or alleged violations of laws, regulations, or other obligations relating to data handling which could have an adverse impact on FREYR.
FREYR may face significant challenges with respect to information security as well as maintaining the security and integrity of its systems, other systems used in its business, and the data stored on or processed by these systems. FREYR’s information and data can include FREYR or third-party confidential information, personal information, and other information and data. Because FREYR’s business relies on confidential data from third parties, any compromise of that data, or perception that any such compromise has occurred, could materially affect FREYR’s business and reputation. Advances in technology, an increased level of sophistication and expertise of hackers, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, or other factors can result in a compromise or breach of the systems and security measures used in FREYR’s business to protect information and data.
FREYR’s ability to conduct its business and operations depends on the continued operation of information technology and communications systems, including systems that may be acquired or developed in the future. Systems used in FREYR’s business, including data centers and other information technology systems, are vulnerable to damage or interruption. Such systems could be subject to break-ins, sabotage, and intentional acts of vandalism, as well as disruptions and security incidents as a result of non-technical issues, including both intentional and inadvertent acts or omissions by employees, service providers, or others. FREYR utilizes outsourced service providers and consultants and these companies face similar security and system disruption risks as FREYR. Some of the systems used in FREYR’s business will not be fully redundant, and its disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. Any data security incidents or other disruptions to data centers or other systems used in FREYR’s business could result in lengthy interruptions in its service.
Significant capital and other resources may be required in efforts to protect against information security breaches, security incidents, and system disruptions, or to alleviate problems caused by actual or suspected information security breaches and other data security incidents and system disruptions. The resources required may increase over time as the methods used by hackers and others who are engaged in online criminal activities or who seek to obtain unauthorized access to or disrupt systems and data, are increasingly sophisticated and constantly evolving. Any failure or perceived failure by FREYR or its service providers to prevent information security breaches, security incidents, system disruptions, or any compromise of security, that results in or is perceived or reported to result in unauthorized access to, loss, theft, alteration, release, or transfer of information or data of FREYR or third parties could harm FREYR’s reputation. Such actual or perceived events could also expose FREYR to legal claims, regulatory investigations and proceedings, fines, penalties, and other liabilities and could divert the efforts of FREYR’s technical and management personnel, require FREYR to incur significant costs to investigate or remediate, by putting in place additional tools and devices designed to prevent such incidents in the future.
Changes in laws relating to privacy and data protection could disrupt FREYR’s business.
FREYR is also subject to various laws regarding privacy, data protection, and the protection of certain data relating to individuals. FREYR’s handling of data relating to individuals is subject to a variety of laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, and data security, and it may become subject to additional obligations, including contractual obligations, relating to its maintenance and processing of this data. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), imposes stringent data protection requirements and provides for significant penalties for noncompliance. Laws, regulations, and other actual and potential obligations relating to privacy, data protection, and data security are evolving rapidly, and the related regulatory landscape is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. FREYR may be subject to new laws and regulations, or new interpretations of laws and regulations, in various jurisdictions in the future. These laws, regulations, and other obligations, and changes in their interpretation, could require FREYR to modify its operations and practices, restrict its activities, and increase its costs, and it is possible that these laws, regulations, and other obligations may be, or interpreted or asserted to be, inconsistent with each other or with FREYR’s business or practices. Any inability to adequately address privacy and security concerns or comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, rules, and regulations could have an adverse effect on FREYR’s reputation, business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
FREYR is subject to substantial regulation and unfavorable changes to, or failure by FREYR to comply with, these regulations could substantially harm its business and operating results.
FREYR’s battery cells and its customers’ markets are subject to substantial regulation under international, European, and local laws, including anti-bribery, export control, and safety, environmental, and sustainability laws (including the EU
Taxonomy Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2020/852). FREYR expects to incur significant costs in complying with these regulations. In particular, regulations related to batteries; materials to produce batteries, such as lithium; and EV and alternative energy industries, are currently evolving. FREYR faces risks associated with new regulations, including the proposed EU Batteries Regulation, and changes to existing regulations.
To the extent the laws change, FREYR’s products may not comply with applicable international, European, or local laws and such changes could imply the need to materially alter FREYR’s operations and may prompt the need to apply for further permits, which would have an adverse effect on FREYR’s business and prospects. Compliance with changing regulations could be burdensome, time-consuming, and expensive. To the extent compliance with new regulations is cost prohibitive, FREYR’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Internationally, there may be laws in jurisdictions FREYR has not yet entered, or laws it is unaware of in jurisdictions it has entered, that may restrict its sales or other business practices. The laws in this area can be complex, difficult to interpret, and may change over time. Continued regulatory limitations and other obstacles that may interfere with FREYR’s ability to commercialize its products could have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
As FREYR does not yet manufacture batteries and has not yet generated revenues, FREYR is far more exposed to regulatory risk compared to its peers in the industry that have stable sources of income. FREYR is an early-stage company and as a result, certain internal processes and procedures have only recently been implemented. FREYR must ensure that it operates in accordance with its own processes and policies, as well as statutory laws and regulations, and there may be a higher risk that FREYR fails to comply than more established companies. Any failure to comply with such policies could have a material adverse impact on FREYR’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
FREYR is subject to export and import controls that could subject it to liability or impair its ability to compete in international markets.
The U.S. and various foreign governments have imposed controls, export license requirements and restrictions on the import or export of certain products, technologies, and software. FREYR must export and import its products in compliance with any applicable controls. FREYR may not always be successful in obtaining necessary governmental approvals, and failure to obtain required import or export approval for its products or limitations on its ability to export or sell its products may adversely affect its revenue. Noncompliance with these laws could have negative consequences, including government investigations, penalties, and reputational harm.
Changes in FREYR’s products or changes in export, import, and economic sanctions laws and regulations may delay FREYR introducing new products in international markets, prevent its customers from using FREYR’s products internationally or, in some cases, prevent the export or import of FREYR’s products to or from certain countries altogether. Any change in export or import regulations or legislation; shift or change in enforcement; or change in the countries, persons, or technologies targeted by these regulations could result in decreased use of FREYR’s products by, or in FREYR’s decreased ability to, export or sell its products to existing or potential customers with international operations, adversely affecting FREYR’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
FREYR is subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, financial and economic sanctions, and similar laws in many jurisdictions, and non-compliance with such laws can subject FREYR to administrative, civil and criminal fines and penalties, collateral consequences, remedial measures, and legal expenses.
FREYR is subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, financial and economic sanctions, and similar laws and regulations in various jurisdictions in which it conducts, or in the future may conduct, activities, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, and other anti-corruption laws and regulations. Anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws have been enforced aggressively in recent years and are interpreted broadly to generally prohibit companies, and their employees, agents, representatives, business partners, and third-party intermediaries from authorizing, offering, or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or benefits to recipients in the public or private sector.
FREYR will sometimes leverage third parties to sell its products and conduct its business abroad. FREYR, its employees, agents, representatives, business partners, and third-party intermediaries have in the past and may in the future have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities and FREYR may be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these employees, agents, representatives, business partners, or third-party intermediaries even if FREYR does not explicitly authorize such activities. FREYR cannot assure that all of its employees and agents have not and will not take actions in violation of applicable law, for which FREYR may be ultimately held responsible. As FREYR increases its international business, FREYR’s risks under these laws may increase.
The FCPA also requires companies to make and keep books, records, and accounts that accurately reflect transactions and dispositions of assets and to maintain a system of adequate internal accounting controls. FREYR’s policies and procedures are designed to ensure compliance with these laws, but FREYR cannot assure that none of its employees, agents, representatives, business partners, or third-party intermediaries have or will engage in improper conduct that violates FREYR’s policies and applicable law, for which FREYR may be held responsible.
Non-compliance with anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, or financial and economic sanctions laws could subject FREYR to whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, civil and criminal sanctions, settlements, prosecution, enforcement actions, loss of export privileges, suspension, or debarment from U.S. government contracts and other collateral consequences and remedial measures, all of which could adversely affect FREYR’s reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Responding to any investigation or action will likely result in a materially significant diversion of management’s attention and resources, and significant defense costs, and other professional fees. In addition, changes in economic sanctions laws in the future could adversely impact FREYR’s business and investments in its ordinary shares.
FREYR and its partners, suppliers, and customers are subject to requirements relating to environmental, permitting, and safety regulations as well as environmental remediation matters.
FREYR and its partners, suppliers, and customers are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, ESS siting and installation restrictions; solid and hazardous waste storage, treatment, and disposal; and remediation of releases of hazardous materials. There are significant capital, operating, and other costs associated with compliance with these environmental, permitting, and safety laws and regulations. Environmental laws and regulations may become more stringent in the future, which could increase costs of compliance or require FREYR to manufacture with alternative technologies and materials. Moreover, if FREYR or any of its partners, suppliers, or customers were found to be in violation of environmental, permitting, or safety laws, FREYR’s reputation for building clean battery cells from an ethically and sustainably-sourced supply chain could be harmed, potentially resulting in significant damage to its brand.
FREYR’s manufacturing process will have hazards including, but not limited to, hazardous materials, machines with moving parts, and high voltage and/or high current electrical systems. There may be safety incidents that damage machinery or products, slow or stop production, or harm employees. Consequences may include litigation, regulation, fines, increased insurance premiums, mandates to temporarily halt production, workers’ compensation claims, or other actions that impact FREYR’s brand, reputation, finances, or ability to operate.
International trade policies may impact demand for FREYR’s products and its competitive position.
Government policies on international trade and investment such as sanctions, import quotas, capital controls, or tariffs, whether adopted by non-governmental bodies, individual governments, or addressed by regional trade blocs, may affect the demand for FREYR’s battery cells, impact its competitive position, or prevent FREYR from being able to sell products to certain customers or in certain countries. The implementation of more protectionist trade policies, such as more detailed inspections, higher tariffs, or new barriers to entry, in countries where FREYR sells products could negatively impact FREYR’s business, financial position, and results of operations.
Possible new tariffs on materials and components used to manufacture FREYR’s battery cells could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business.
FREYR’s business is dependent on the availability of components necessary to develop and manufacture its battery cells, particularly cathode and anode materials. Although FREYR expects to obtain such components from local suppliers whenever possible, it will be necessary to develop relationships with suppliers in other regions. Any tariffs imposed on the importation of components could lead to price fluctuations and delays in the delivery of such components. Disruptions in the supply of components could temporarily impair FREYR’s ability to manufacture battery cells or require FREYR to pay higher prices in order to obtain these materials or components from other sources, which could affect FREYR’s business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Relating to Ownership of FREYR Ordinary Shares
The concentration of ownership among FREYR’s executive officers, directors, and their affiliates may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions.
As of February 17, 2023 FREYR’s executive officers, directors, and their affiliates as a group own approximately 11.08% of FREYR’s outstanding ordinary shares, after the inclusion of FREYR ordinary shares subject to warrants and options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. As a result, these shareholders as a group could exercise a level of control over matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of the Articles, and approval of significant corporate transactions. This control could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in management and will make the approval of certain transactions more difficult without the support of these shareholders.
FREYR qualifies as an “emerging growth company”, a “smaller reporting company”, and a “foreign private issuer” and as such, will benefit from reduced disclosure requirements. FREYR cannot be certain if such reduced disclosure requirements will make its ordinary shares less attractive to investors and make it more difficult to compare FREYR’s performance with other public companies.
FREYR qualifies as an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the JOBS Act, a “smaller reporting company”, as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, and a “foreign private issuer” as defined in the Securities Act Rule 405 and Exchange Act Rule 3b-4. FREYR intends to take advantage of certain current and future exemptions from various public company reporting requirements, that are applicable to other public companies that do not qualify as an “emerging growth company”, “smaller reporting company”, or “foreign private issuer”. Such exemptions include, but are not limited to, not
being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in Annual Reports on Form 10-K and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements to hold a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
As an “emerging growth company”, FREYR has, and may in the future, elect to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards, which allows FREYR to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As a result of this election, FREYR’s financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.
FREYR may take advantage of any of these current or future exemptions, or delays in implementation timeframes, as long as it meets the applicable guidelines and criteria, and FREYR cannot predict if it will continue to meet such criteria. Additionally, FREYR cannot predict if investors will find its ordinary shares less attractive because it will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find FREYR ordinary shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for FREYR ordinary shares and its stock price may be more volatile.
FREYR does not expect to declare dividends on its ordinary shares in the foreseeable future.
Given the capital-intensive nature of battery manufacturing, FREYR does not currently anticipate declaring any cash dividends to holders of its ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. Consequently, investors may need to rely on sales of their shares after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment.
FREYR may call certain of its unexpired warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to warrant holders, thereby making their warrants worthless, and the exercise of a significant number of the warrants could adversely affect the market price of FREYR ordinary shares.
As part of the Business Combination, FREYR assumed 24.6 million warrants consisting of 14.4 million public warrants (“Public Warrants”) and 10.3 million private warrants (“Private Warrants”). The warrants entitle the holder thereof to purchase one of FREYR’s ordinary shares at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustments. The warrants will expire on July 9, 2026, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.
FREYR may call the Public Warrants for redemption once they become exercisable, in whole and not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Public Warrant, so long as it provides at least 30 days prior written notice of redemption to each Public Warrant holder, and if, and only if, the reported last sales price of FREYR’s ordinary shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share for each of 20 trading days within the 30 trading-day period ending on the third trading day before the date on which we send the notice of redemption to the Public Warrant holders. However, FREYR may not exercise the redemption right if the issuance of the FREYR ordinary shares upon exercise of the warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or FREYR is unable to effect such registration or qualification. None of the Private Warrants are redeemable by FREYR so long as they are held by a certain holder or any of its permitted transferees.
Redemption of the outstanding warrants could force holders to:
•Exercise their FREYR Warrants and pay the exercise price therefore at a time when it may be disadvantageous for them to do so;
•Sell their FREYR Warrants at the then-current market price when they might otherwise wish to hold their FREYR Warrants; or
•Accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding FREYR Warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of their FREYR Warrants.
Additionally, if a significant number of warrant holders exercise their warrants instead of accepting the nominal redemption price, the issuance of these shares would dilute other equity holders, which could reduce the market price of FREYR’s ordinary shares.
There can be no assurance that FREYR will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of the NYSE.
FREYR trades its ordinary shares and Warrants on the NYSE under the symbols “FREY” and “FREY WS”, respectively. If the NYSE delists FREYR’s securities from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the listing standards and FREYR is not able to list such securities on another national securities exchange, FREYR expects such securities could be quoted on an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, FREYR and its stockholders could face significant material adverse consequences including:
•A limited availability of market quotations for FREYR securities;
•Reduced liquidity for FREYR securities;
•A limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and
•A decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.