Paolo Cerruti said attempts to block the development of Northvolt’s Quebec site were unprecedented and a “distraction.” Cerruti, who also serves as the battery startup’s North American CEO, touted Quebec’s zero-emission power generation, saying it would allow Northvolt to build batteries that will be 10 times less carbon intensive than their Asian-built equivalents in 2030. (La Presse)

Talking point: Last month, an environmental group and three individuals filed an injunction request to stop construction work for Northvolt’s $7-billion facility about 30 kilometres east of Montreal, saying it would damage a crucial ecosystem. Though it ultimately failed after a Quebec court denied the request, the company still faces a lawsuit from the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake demanding consultation over the project with federal and provincial governments. An anarchist group also spiked trees on the site. Northvolt recently announced a community liaison committee to better communicate with residents near the site.