Morrow battery factory bankruptcy sparks parliamentary inquiry

The bankruptcy of the Morrow battery factory in Arendal has triggered political scrutiny and interest from private investors. Sylvi Listhaug, leader of the Progress Party (Frp), has called for a parliamentary investigation by the Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs regarding the massive state subsidies provided to the company.

Government estimates suggest public contributions through loans and project funding reached approximately 2.3 billion NOK, though some estimates place the loss as high as 3.4 billion NOK. Listhaug criticized the government's handling of the subsidies, noting that Innovasjon Norge approved significant loans shortly before the company's collapse.

In the private sector, technology entrepreneur Stian Rustad has expressed interest in acquiring the bankruptcy estate to preserve Norwegian jobs and reduce dependence on China. Rustad reportedly offered to cover the debt and secure operations for six months, though he was previously rejected as a buyer in favor of the American company Lyten.