FREYR Battery - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to _________

Commission file number 001-40581

FREYR Battery
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +352 46 61 11 3721

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer.” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     Yes ☐   No ☒

As of June 30, 2021, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the closing price of $9.91 reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $284.9 million. For the purposes of this calculation, shares of Ordinary Shares beneficially owned by each executive officer, director, and holder of more than 10% of our Ordinary Shares have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

As of March 8, 2022, 116,853,504 shares of the registrant’s Ordinary Shares and 26,801,075 Warrants to purchase shares of the registrant’s Ordinary Shares, were issued and outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

FREYR Battery

Table of Contents

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

References in this document to the “Registrant,” “FREYR Battery,” “FREYR,” the “Company,” “we,” “management,” “us” or “our” refers to FREYR Battery and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires or indicates.

We make forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) and in documents incorporated herein by reference. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this Report, regarding FREYR Battery’s future financial performance, as well as our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this Report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, hopes, beliefs, intentions and strategies regarding future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, incident to our business.

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this Report, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements in this Report and in any document incorporated herein by reference should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include:

Other risks and uncertainties set forth in this Report, including risk factors discussed in Item 1A under the heading, “Risk Factors”.

Foreign Private Issuer Status and Financial Presentation

We currently qualify as a foreign private issuer (“FPI”) under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). However, even though we qualify as a FPI, we report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and we have elected to file our periodic and current reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.

Part I

Item 1. Business

COMPANY OVERVIEW

FREYR Battery was incorporated as a public limited liability company (“société anonyme”) under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on January 20, 2021. Pursuant to the business combination agreement (the “BCA”) entered into to effect a merger between Alussa Energy Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Alussa”) and FREYR AS, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of Norway (“FREYR Legacy”) (the “Business Combination”), the Company was formed to complete the Business Combination and related transactions and carry on the business of FREYR Legacy. FREYR serves as the successor entity to FREYR Legacy, the predecessor entity.

FREYR’s mission and vision are to accelerate the decarbonization of the transportation sector and energy systems by delivering some of the world’s cleanest and most cost-effective batteries. FREYR aims to produce some of the most cost-competitive batteries with the lowest carbon footprints, which could further support the acceleration of the energy transition. FREYR is currently working to develop an application of its in-licensed technology and planning the building of battery factories in Mo i Rana, Norway. Following the investment decision of the Customer Qualification Plant (“CQP”), construction work is on-going in Mo i Rana, Norway. The CQP production line will be based on our in-licensed technology from 24M. As of December 31, 2021, FREYR has not derived revenue from its principal business activities. FREYR will initially target energy storage systems (“ESS”), marine applications, commercial vehicles and electric vehicles (“EV”) with slower charge requirements, and then plans to target additional markets, including consumer EVs, through both licensing and joint venture models. FREYR plans to produce faster charge battery cells for the broader consumer EV segment through the 24M platforms, as well as through the joint venture business model and potentially additional licensing partnerships.

On July 9, 2021, FREYR consummated the Business Combination with FREYR Legacy and Alussa pursuant to the terms of the BCA dated January 29, 2021, by and between the Company, FREYR Legacy, Alussa, Alussa Energy Sponsor LLC (the “Sponsor”), ATS AS (“Shareholder Representative”), Norway Sub 1 AS, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of Norway (“Norway Merger Sub 1”), Norway Sub 2 AS, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of Norway (“Norway Merger Sub 2”), Adama Charlie Sub, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Cayman Merger Sub”) and the shareholders of FREYR Legacy named therein (the “Major Shareholders”).

Pursuant to the terms of the BCA, among other things (a) FREYR Legacy’s wind farm business was transferred to Sjonfjellet Vindpark Holding AS (“SVPH”), a private limited liability company incorporated by way of a Norwegian demerger (the “Norway Demerger”), resulting in such business becoming held by FREYR Legacy’s shareholders through SVPH, (b) Alussa merged with and into Cayman Merger Sub, with Alussa continuing as the surviving entity and a wholly owned subsidiary of FREYR (the “Cayman Merger” and the “First Closing”), (c) following the First Closing, Alussa distributed all of its interests in Norway Merger Sub 1 to FREYR, (d) FREYR Legacy merged with and into Norway Merger Sub 2, with Norway Sub 2 continuing as the surviving entity (the “Norway Merger”), (e) FREYR acquired all preferred shares of Norway Merger Sub 1 (which were issued in exchange for the FREYR Legacy redeemable preferred shares as a part of the Norway Merger) from certain former holders of FREYR Legacy redeemable preferred shares in exchange for a number of newly issued shares of FREYR and (f) Norway Merger Sub 1 merged with and into FREYR, with FREYR continuing as the surviving entity (the “Cross-Border Merger”) (the events in (d), (e) and (f), the “Second Closing”). In connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the BCA, FREYR Legacy and Alussa became wholly owned subsidiaries of FREYR. Following the First Closing on July 7, 2021, the Company’s Ordinary Shares and Warrants began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

FREYR Investment Highlights

Clean and Low-Cost Battery Cells

High Growth Battery Market

Innovative and Disruptive SemiSolid™ Technology

Advantaged Margins from a Partnership-Based Business Model

Experienced Execution Team

FREYR Business Model

FREYR’s initial focus is on production of the battery cell, which represents approximately 32% of battery value chain revenues and is one of the more energy intensive parts of the value chain.

FREYR’s manufacturing platform will have the capabilities to host many types of battery specifications, as determined by customer demand. FREYR expects to pursue (1) licensing-based partnerships to develop and enhance next-generation technology and (2) partnerships with conventional battery cell technology providers.

Licensing Strategy

FREYR executed a license and services agreement with 24M, dated December 15, 2020, as amended (the “24M License”) to use 24M’s SemiSolid^TM lithium-ion battery platform technology in FREYR’s planned facilities in Mo i Rana, Norway. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 24M has been developing a low-cost battery cell design structure and simplified manufacturing platform for over a decade. 24M’s SemiSolid^TM lithium-ion cell architecture and associated production process has reduced the number of steps required to manufacture traditional lithium-ion battery cells, while still using conventional lithium-ion raw materials.

The 24M License provides FREYR with rights to produce battery cells based on 24M’s current and future technology, subject to the restrictions discussed below. This includes all patents and patent applications owned or controlled by 24M or any of its affiliates as of December 15, 2020, or that 24M or an affiliate develops or acquires ownership or control of at any time during the term of the 24M License that are necessary or useful for, or otherwise related to, the manufacture, assembly, test, operation and service of SemiSolid^TM battery cells and SemiSolid^TM battery modules.

The 24M License also provides that 24M will provide services to FREYR, including the technical training of engineers, the provision of information relevant to construct and operate the factory and on-site support. The 24M License continues until the expiration, lapse, cancellation, abandonment or invalidation of the last Valid Claim (as defined in the 24M License) of the licensed patents and patent applications, unless terminated earlier by either party pursuant to the terms of the license. 24M may terminate the 24M License if FREYR fails to achieve a sustained production rate of at least 1 GWh per year by December 31, 2024.

The 24M License excludes rights to (a) manufacture battery cells within each of Japan and the ASEAN until December 31, 2022 and (b) sell and offer to sell battery cells within each of Japan and the ASEAN until a future date currently estimated for each to be December 31, 2022. Furthermore, the 24M License only provides for limited exclusivity. With the exception of direct grants to any company that produces more than 500,000 cars and/or more than 10,000 trucks or buses annually, 24M will refrain from granting any license to manufacture battery cells within (i) the Scandinavian Region through December 31, 2023 and (ii) the EEA, excluding the Scandinavian Region and the grant of no more than two licenses, inclusive of that granted to FREYR in the 24M License, through December 31, 2023, in either case wherein the battery cells are produced for use, used or sold for grid connected electricity storage system applications that have more than 200 kWh of lithium-ion battery storage capacity, excluding any applications related to automotive charging or discharging.

Pursuant to the 24M License and a letter agreement dated December 18, 2020, the Company has committed to pay $20.0 million for the rights to the production of battery cells based on 24M’s current and future technology, as well as the provision of services to the Company, including technical training of engineers, the provision of information relevant to construct and operate the factory and on-site support. $0.7 million was paid and expensed in 2020 at the signing of the memorandum of understanding prior to entering into a definitive agreement. The Company determined that the remaining $19.3 million payable would be recognized straight-line over the service period through December 31, 2022, which was extended to December 31, 2023 through the first amendment to the definitive agreement dated January 18, 2021. The Company paid $2.5 million on both January 12, 2021 and July 27, 2021, with final commitment of $14.3 million paid on December 28, 2021. In accordance with the definitive agreement, the Company will also pay an ongoing royalty fee based on sales volumes with minimum annual payments of $3.0 million beginning on the three-year anniversary of the effective date.

The 24M process incorporates technology that can reduce raw material needs, manufacturing waste, energy consumption, labor requirement and capital costs to enable the production of low-cost, higher energy-density batteries. These will be used in residential and commercial ESS, EVs with slower charge requirements and specialized transportation markets, including commercial vehicles and maritime solutions. 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. 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.

The advantages of the 24M process technology, as FREYR understands it, includes:

FREYR’s Planned Production Process Based on 24M’s Platform

With 24M’s technology, it is possible to develop different sizes, formats, and chemistries to meet customer requirements, supporting the penetration of a larger total addressable market for FREYR’s products.

Licensing 24M’s chemistry-flexible process technology could allow FREYR to shorten the time to market and maintain flexibility to provide production capacity for a range of customers with varied needs and chemistry preferences. The 24M License will allow FREYR to approach potential customers in the energy storage system (“ESS”) market by providing 24M produced samples in advance of the completion of FREYR’s customer qualification plant. As compared to an in-house R&D approach, licensing gives FREYR a faster and lower cost route to market, access to the latest technologies, and greater ability to adapt to market changes due to more flexibility in selection of partners and technologies.

While FREYR’s current next-generation technology platform is based on the existing 24M License, FREYR will continue to investigate and validate new, emerging technologies for potential in-licensing opportunities.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”) Partnership Strategy

FREYR plans to target in-licensing and/or joint venture-based partnerships with top battery cell producers from Asia or elsewhere. FREYR intends to use its partner’s design and process technology blueprint to develop and construct a Gigawatt-scale production facility to produce battery cells to be sold in the European market. Through such potential in-licensing and/or joint venture structure, potential up- and downstream activities could also be provided, which will further support FREYR’s plans to add increased scale to build a clean and sustainable Nordic supply chain.

FREYR has identified several large suppliers to battery cell production who have ambitions and robust plans to expand their industrial footprint and business in Europe where demand for batteries is growing exponentially. FREYR can provide suppliers to battery cells producers with a scalable, environmentally friendly, European-based solution to increased battery manufacturing requirements.

FREYR Full-Cycle Sustainability

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. FREYR’s ambition is to achieve full-cycle sustainability by:

Significant Reduction Versus Average Carbon Emissions

Through its focus on the full-cycle sustainability of its products, FREYR’s target is approximately 15 kg CO2e/kWh of life cycle carbon emissions, more than 80% lower than the current global battery industry average of approximately 80 kg CO2e/kWh.

Markets

The global battery market is fast-growing — projected to grow from 241 GWh in 2020 to almost 5,300 GWh in 2030. FREYR believes that its total addressable market will be over 5,100 GWh in 2030.

FREYR, with 24M technology, is employing an optimized and lower-cost production process and battery technology that is currently best suited for applications that require high energy density over power density. FREYR is therefore initially targeting ESS and commercial vehicle markets — battery markets with the highest projected compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) from 2018 to 2030, 44% and 41%, respectively. FREYR will also initially target markets for marine applications and EVs with slower charge requirements.

FREYR will target additional markets, including consumer EVs, through both the joint venture model as well as through the licensing model. FREYR plans to produce faster charge battery cells for the broader consumer EV segment through the 24M platforms as well as through joint ventures and potentially additional licensing partnerships.

Competition

FREYR’s competitors include major battery manufacturers currently supplying the markets, automotive 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.

Development Plan

Customer Qualification Plant — FREYR has made the final investment decision and has started construction of an industrial-scale customer qualification plant in an existing 13,000m² building in Mo i Rana. 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.

Fast-Track Gigafactories (1-2) — FREYR is currently considering combining the first two plants to be located in an existing 70,000m² levelled and compacted plot within the Mo Industripark in Mo i Rana and to build out the capacity based on a combination of LFP and NMC technology. FREYR also expects to primarily target the ESS market with Gigafactories 1-2, or the combined Gigafactory. FREYR has an exclusive right to access and develop the 70,000m² plot, as described in the section titled “— Partnerships”.

Fast-Track Gigafactories (3-4) — the second two plants are planned to have a total nominal capacity of 22 GWh per year (based on NMC battery chemistry) and to be located at another 100,000m² within Mo Industripark adjacent to the customer qualification plant. FREYR currently plans to target the EV market with Gigafactories 3-4.

In addition to the locations identified for the customer qualification plant and the fast-track gigafactories, FREYR has identified locations with favorable logistics access and power availability, including and up to an additional 1,000,000m² near Mo Industripark. These locations may in the future be relevant for one or more of the Joint Venture Gigafactories or additional production Gigafactories (5-6), with an aggregated estimate of nominal production capacity of 48 GWh per year (based on a combination of NMC and LFP battery chemistry). FREYR has entered into non-binding memoranda of understanding to explore manufacturing, supply and other business opportunities for alternative sites for Gigafactory production in Finland and Sweden.

Based on the above production estimates, FREYR is targeting approximately 83 GWh per year (based on a combination of NMC and LFP battery chemistry) of total nominal capacity by 2028.

As of 2022, FREYR’s Mo i Rana production location has about 6 terrawatt-hours of surplus power that is nearly 100% generated from low carbon sources, including hydropower and wind power. FREYR’s Mo i Rana production location has pre-existing industrial infrastructure, including a deepwater port, nearby railway and road access, and available warehouse capacity which is expected to enable FREYR to have cost advantaged transportation logistics and shorten the development time.

FREYR’s stage-gated development approach is expected to enable us to quickly qualify products, demonstrate manufacturing processes, and produce sample cells through the customer qualification plant at Megawatt-scale. Subsequent development of additional gigawatt-scaled capacity in close cooperation with equipment and system suppliers is expected to establish FREYR as a world leading Gigawatt-scale battery provider. This manufacturing flexibility is expected to allow FREYR to scale modularly to meet customer demand and thus further enhance its competitive advantages.

The number of employees at the manufacturing site was 26 at the end of 2021, and FREYR estimates that the number of employees at the manufacturing plants will be approximately as follows: 350 employees at the end of 2022, 1,000 employees at the end of 2024, and 1,500 employees at the end of 2025. These estimates assume that there will be no delays in FID, construction activities or equipment deliveries, travel for employees or other transportation issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other unpredictable circumstances.

Manufacturing Process

In Fast-Track Gigafactories (1-4), FREYR plans to use the five main manufacturing process steps for electrode manufacturing licensed by FREYR pursuant to the 24M License, as further described in “—FREYR Business Model — Licensing Strategy” and “— FREYR Business Model — FREYR’s Planned Production Process Based on 24M Technologies’ Platform”. For later plants, FREYR will implement licensed 24M or other technologies or a joint venture model with existing, well-established battery cell technology owners, primarily targeting the passenger vehicle space. In the joint venture plants, FREYR will use the partner’s technology blueprint to develop and construct a Gigawatt-scale production facility based on the partner’s design and process technology to produce battery cells mainly for the European and U.S. markets. FREYR made the final investment decision to proceed with the construction of its customer qualification plant in early third quarter 2021. On-site construction work is on-going and production equipment is expected delivered on site beginning in the third quarter of 2022.

Material Suppliers

There are many suppliers of materials for battery cell manufacturing, many of which are currently located in Asia. Initially, FREYR will rely on qualified suppliers through 24M’s supply chain while embarking on internal qualification of new material providers which could take between 12 and 24 months.

Ultimately, FREYR anticipates the migration of its supply chain into the Nordic region. FREYR is currently in discussions with several raw material suppliers to source material supply in the Nordic region. 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 material supply from the Nordic region will make it a more attractive trade partner given potential trade policy developments, increased supply chain tracing in Europe and North America, and logistical challenges of global manufacturing highlighted by COVID-19. FREYR is currently in early-stage dialogues with existing global material suppliers to expand into the Nordic region to further leverage low-cost “green” electricity and Norway’s skilled engineering-based labor force from the country’s legacy energy industry.

Partnerships

FREYR has had discussions with numerous potential suppliers and partners in fiscal year 2021. The list below describes the status of discussions with some of these potential suppliers and partners. Unless otherwise indicated, FREYR has not entered into binding agreements with these parties.

31 GWh Inaugural Offtake Agreement with Leading Global ESS Provider

On December 16, 2021, FREYR announced that it executed its inaugural offtake agreement for at least 31 GWh of low-carbon battery cells with an undisclosed, leading global publicly listed manufacturer and provider of ESS. The two companies have agreed to jointly develop innovative technology solutions for the global ESS market based on battery cells manufactured by FREYR.

Under the terms and subject to the conditions of the agreement, FREYR is to deliver at least 31 GWh of battery cells from 2023 to 2028 from its Norwegian manufacturing facilities. The anticipated volumes represent close to half the currently estimated production in Gigafactory 1 in Mo i Rana, Norway in the period. FREYR’s total potential revenues from this agreement could equate to approximately $3 billion from 2023 – 2028 based on FREYR’s current price forecasts. The parties will package FREYR’s sustainable, next-generation battery cells using 24M’s design and process platform.

Teaming Agreement with Honeywell (Including Offtake of 19 GWh of Battery Cells)

On December 10, 2021, FREYR and Honeywell entered into a teaming agreement pursuant to which Honeywell will purchase 19 GWh of battery cells produced by FREYR from 2023 through 2030 for a multitude of energy storage systems application and FREYR will, subject to viability, leverage Honeywell’s leading technology offerings, including integrated automation, field instrumentation and security integration solutions in their manufacturing process.

Through the agreement, Honeywell and FREYR intend to provide smart energy storage solutions to address the needs of a wide range of commercial and industrial customers alike. Subject to viability, FREYR will leverage Honeywell’s broad automation and software expertise including automation systems, quality assurance and controls, and industrial software to provide manufacturing capacity at scale in Europe and the U.S.

The battery cells produced through this project can be utilized by “behind-the-meter” or industrial locations, as well as “front-of-the-meter” locations like large solar and wind renewable power generation sites.

Supplier Agreement with Glencore International AG (“Glencore”)

On November 15, 2021, FREYR entered into a contract with Glencore for the supply of up to 1,500 metric tons of high grade, sustainably sourced cobalt metal cut cathodes made from at least 50% recycled cobalt produced at Glencore’s Nikkelverk facility in Norway. The supply contract follows the Letter of Intent between FREYR and Glencore announced on February 9, 2021. Cobalt is a core component in our lithium-ion battery cells. FREYR and Glencore plan on collaborating closely to minimize our carbon footprint and define actions and milestones to meet the common ambition of developing carbon neutral material, including the potential use of carbon offsets schemes. FREYR will also collaborate to develop a scheme to introduce recycling certificates to document the delivery of recycled material as well as on the collection and processing of battery scrap generated during the production of battery material and cells.

FREYR and Glencore will also explore potential collaboration for battery material and battery scrap recycling and work together to assure responsible sourcing and recycling through third-party audits.

Joint Venture with Koch Strategic Platforms (“KSP”)

On October 8, 2021, FREYR formed a joint venture with KSP with a 50%/50% ownership structure. The joint venture has been formed to advance the development of clean battery cell manufacturing in the United States. As part of this agreement, both parties agreed to contribute $3.0 million for the initial costs related to developing the first gigafactory to project concept selection. The joint venture has secured a license from 24M to deploy 24M’s SemiSolid^TM platform technology (see Financial Statements - Note 14 for more information). In conjunction, KSP and FREYR has invested $70 million in convertible promissory notes with 24M, under which KSP and FREYR invested $50 million and $20 million, respectively (see Financial Statements - Note 15 for more information).

24M

FREYR has entered into the binding 24M License to use 24M’s process technology and accelerate FREYR’s time to market. The 24M License excludes rights to manufacture, offer for sale or sell battery cells within Japan and the ASEAN until December 31, 2022. Furthermore, the 24M License provides for limited but relevant exclusivity within certain market segments (see “FREYR Business Model — Licensing Strategy” and “FREYR Business Model — FREYR’s Planned Production Process Based on 24M Technologies’ Platform” for more information).

Mpac

On July 23, 2021, FREYR entered into a contract for the provision of a casting and unit cell assembly machine (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Mpac Lambert Limited (“Mpac”). Mpac will supply the casting and unit cell assembly machine for FREYR’s customer qualification plant. This will include the design, engineering, construction and installation of such equipment, as well as training of FREYR personnel.

FREYR has the option of extending the contract to FREYR’s planned Gigafactories 1, 2 and 3, subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement. The contract price is approximately $13.8 million, of which 40% was paid upon signing of the contract; 40% was paid upon the commencement of building the equipment; 5% is payable when factory acceptance testing is completed and the factory acceptance testing checklist is approved by Mpac and FREYR, and 15% is payable when commissioning and site acceptance test are completed and when the site acceptance test checklist is confirmed by the Mpac and FREYR.

FREYR may cancel or suspend the contract upon notice at any time. Following such cancellation, FREYR shall pay the unpaid balance due to Mpac for the part of the work already performed and for materials ordered prior to the cancellation, and certain other costs and expenses. Mpac may terminate the contract with immediate effect if FREYR becomes insolvent or unable to pay debts when due. If FREYR breaches the contract, Mpac is entitled to request an adjustment to the contract schedule or price. The contract contains representations, warranties and indemnities that are customary to commercial agreements of this nature.

Mo Industripark

On July 19, 2021, FREYR entered into two lease agreements with Mo Industripark with respect to the area to be used for the customer qualification plant. In addition, FREYR and Mo Industripark AS have signed a letter of intent for a brownfield industrial area available to FREYR for developing sustainable lithium-ion battery cell production facilities in Mo i Rana, Norway, using 100% renewable energy. The letter of intent provides FREYR with an exclusive right to lease and develop a further 70,000m² brownfield industrial site and a first right of refusal for a third brownfield industrial site area of 100,000m², all within the Mo Industripark.

Finnish Minerals Group and the City of Vaasa, Finland

On May 31, 2021 FREYR entered into two non-binding memoranda of understanding (“MoUs”) with Finnish Minerals Group and the City of Vaasa, Finland for strategic collaborations on the potential development of industrial scale battery cell technology and production in Finland.

Finnish Minerals Group acts as a holding company in the Finnish mining and chemical industries, provides low-carbon materials to the battery industry and is supportive of establishing local Nordic and European battery technology supply chains. The MoU with Finnish Minerals Group aims to create a potential industrial scaling of battery cell technology including the development of both traditional and next-generation production capacity within Finland. The MoU with the City of Vaasa provides FREYR with the exclusive right to a 90-hectare (900,000m²) site for a potential battery cell plant and states that the parties will explore opportunities for joint site-development to accelerate supply of low-carbon and low-cost batteries in Finland.

Research & Development and Intellectual Property

FREYR’s two business models, licensing and joint venture, will both allow it to scale its production by leveraging the intellectual property of its licensing and joint venture partners. FREYR also plans to establish an R&D lab and a test center within its customer qualification plant in order to qualify new suppliers and have full testing capabilities of cells and materials for ongoing quality assurance.

FREYR is considering expanding R&D capabilities over time to support raw material localization, customer testing, in-house cell design and new technology integration. FREYR also plans to utilize R&D collaboration networks with technology providers and research organizations.

Employees and Human Capital

FREYR’s people are vital to its success battery cell industry, and its long-term success depends on its people. FREYR strives to make its employees feel as though they are a top priority. FREYR’s goal is to ensure that it has the right talent, in the right place, at the right time. It does that through its commitment to attracting, developing and retaining its employees.

FREYR has a diversified and experienced management team. 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. The FREYR team has relevant global in and out-licensing experience with a deep understanding of licensing best practices.

As of December 31, 2021, FREYR had 119 employees.

FREYR strives to attract individuals who are people-focused and share its values. FREYR has competitive programs dedicated to selecting new talent and enhancing the skills of its employees. In its recruiting efforts, it strives to have a diverse group of candidates to consider for its roles. To that end, it has strong relationships with a variety of industry associations that represent diverse professionals and with diversity groups on university and college campuses where it recruits.

FREYR has designed a compensation structure, including an array of benefit plans and programs, that it believes is attractive to current and prospective employees. FREYR also plans to offer employees the opportunity to participate in a variety of professional and leadership development programs. Its program includes a variety of industry, product, technical, professional, business development and leadership trainings.

FREYR 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. It has a values-based culture, an important factor in retaining its employees. FREYR’s training to share and communicate its culture to all employees plays an important part in this process. FREYR is committed to having a diverse workforce, and an inclusive work environment is a natural extension of its culture. FREYR recently renewed its commitment to ensuring that all its employees feel welcomed, valued, respected and heard so that they can fully contribute their unique talents for the benefit of their careers, the Company and its stakeholders.

FREYR takes a proactive approach to philanthropy and driving meaningful change in the world, holding itself accountable to leading by example. FREYR monitors and evaluates various turnover and attrition metrics throughout its management teams. Its annualized voluntary turnover is forecasted to be relatively low, as is the case for turnover of its top performers, a record which it attributes to its strong values-based culture, commitment to career development and attractive compensation and benefit programs.

Since FREYR’s workplace technologies can be securely accessed remotely, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, FREYR transitioned to a partly remote workforce. FREYR has prioritized virtual communications, wellness programs and work-life balance adaptation that has increased engagement and supports its trust-first mentality. Recognizing safety as a priority, once safe to return, FREYR’s people will have the opportunity to work at its office locations with a continued hybrid set-up allowing for some remote office days.

Government Regulation/Compliance

FREYR intends to comply with and operate in accordance with Norwegian health, safety and environment requirements for projects in Norway, including health and safety regulations for employees and contractors, both in project development, construction and operation of facilities. FREYR will also be subject to specific safety regulations applicable to the business, for instance in relation to handling of high voltage electricity in the production facilities, chemicals and materials handling and explosion hazard. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) has, based on information from FREYR, concluded that the company will not be subject to the regulation related to MAPP (Major Accident Prevention Policy).

There are government regulations pertaining to battery safety, transportation of batteries, factory safety, and disposal of hazardous materials, reuse and recycling, and emissions to land, water and air. The license and sale of our batteries abroad could be subject to export controls in the future, and the draft new EU Battery Regulations introduce additional requirements on documentation on reuse of materials, CO2 footprint, and sourcing of materials, and on single battery traceability and reporting.

Compliance with these rules and regulations will increase FREYR’s legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on FREYR’s systems and resources.

Government Grants

Innovation Norway

On February 12, 2021, FREYR was awarded a grant of approximately NOK 39 million ($4.6 million based on NOK/USD exchange rate at the time of the transaction) for research, development and innovation in the environmental technology category by Innovation Norway. The grant will be paid out in three installments based on meeting certain milestones in the agreement, in which the last payment milestone is payable after the final project report is approved. The grant is subject to certain conditions and will be earned only upon successful completion of these conditions. Two payments were received in 2021, with the last milestone payment expected during first half of 2022, pending project completion and final project report. As of December 31, 2021, we recognized $1.3 million as deferred income within the consolidated balance sheet. For the year ended December 31, 2021, $2.3 million was recognized as other income within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

ENOVA

On March 1, 2021, FREYR was awarded a grant of approximately NOK 142 million ($16.5 million based on NOK/USD exchange rate at the time of the transaction) from the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment through ENOVA SF as part financing for the development and construction of the customer qualification plant in Mo i Rana, Norway. ENOVA is an enterprise owned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. This grant will be paid as reimbursements of 25% of the costs incurred for the customer qualification plant from December 1, 2020 to December 1, 2024, in responses to requests made by FREYR for such reimbursement, which must be made at a minimum of twice per year. FREYR can begin to make requests for reimbursements when it can document that financing for such customer qualification plant has been secured, meaning that requests can be made following the closing of the Business Combination. ENOVA will withhold 20% of the grant until the customer qualification plant is completed, which in accordance with the terms of the grant must happen before December 1, 2024. The grant is subject to certain conditions and will be earned only upon successful completion of these conditions. As of December 31, 2021, we had not yet satisfied the requirements and thus have not reduced the carrying amount of the pilot plant by any grant amount.

PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE UPDATE

In December 2021, FREYR began contemplating an updated organizational structure, which was subsequently announced to all global employees in January 2022. As the global battery landscape is extremely dynamic, FREYR reviewed and ultimately decided to effect a new organizational model that would allow it to transition from a single-player industry player to a geographically diverse and more competitive company with a focus on establishing scale and expanding its global footprint.

To address FREYR’s expansion across several regions, including the U.S. and Finland, the Company has decided to modify its organizational structure, commencing in fiscal year 2022, with (i) a small but highly capable and dedicated team globally at the FREYR Battery level to focus on international sales, growth initiatives and strategic mergers and acquisitions opportunities and global coordination and (ii) the addition of country-specific business units in Norway, the U.S. and Finland (with FREYR Battery Norway AS to serve as a service provider for FREYR Battery, FREYR Battery Finland Oy and FREYR Battery US Holding, Inc. for matters related to global human resources and recruitment services, global communication and global ESG and sustainability efforts). FREYR Battery Norway AS will also act as a center of excellence for all FREYR entities, with a focus on material sourcing, technology, project execution and operational excellence workstreams. For further information on FREYR’s subsidiaries, see Exhibit 21.1 (List of Subsidiaries).

Further developments regarding the updated organizational structure, including the selection of management of the country-specific business units, will be finalized and communicated throughout fiscal year 2022.

Available Information

Our website is www.freyrbattery.com. Interested readers can access, free of charge, 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 filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Act, through the SEC website at www.sec.gov and searching with our ticker symbol “FREY.” Such reports are generally available the day they are filed. Upon request, we will furnish interested readers a paper copy of such reports free of charge by contacting Jeffrey Spittel, Vice President, Investor Relations at jeffrey.spittel@freyrbattery.com.

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 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.

Risks Relating to 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 the plans to develop, manufacture, market and sell its battery cells and to deploy the battery cells at sufficient capacity and to pre- agreed specifications to meet the demands of customers. FREYR has no prior experience to date in manufacturing its battery cells. FREYR cannot be certain that the technologies 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 and production standards, as well as the production volumes, required to successfully mass market FREYR’s battery cells. Even if FREYR is successful in developing its manufacturing capability and processes and reliably sourcing its component supply, it cannot be certain whether it will be able to do so in a manner that avoids significant delays and cost overruns, including as a result of factors beyond FREYR’s control such as problems with suppliers and vendors, or in time to meet its commercialization schedules or to satisfy the requirements of customers. For example, costs for the construction of FREYR’s customer qualification plant will be significantly higher than initially forecasted. As part of making the final investment decision for the customer qualification plant, FREYR considered potential customer feedback and the value of future flexibility, including flexibility related to NMC and LFP manufacturing, size of electrodes, and increased automation, which led to FREYR’s decision to acquire certain upgraded equipment and implement a more complex equipment installation design. On July 23, 2021, FREYR entered into a contract with Mpac Lambert Limited (“Mpac”) for the supply of critical production line machinery in its customer qualification plant, the casting and unit cell assembly. Another factor in increased construction costs is the inflationary pressure on prices of equipment and building materials experienced in the first half of 2021. Such developments may, and further substantial increases in costs or delays in construction could, have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

FREYR’s licensing strategy is subject to various risks which could adversely affect FREYR’s business and future prospects. There are no assurances that 24M or other future counterparties will not provide similar licenses to other manufacturers which will increase the competition faced by FREYR.

As part of its strategy to license in process technology, FREYR has entered into a licensing and services agreement with 24M (the “24M License”) to use 24M’s process 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 the relationship with 24M. However, 24M may have economic, business or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with those of FREYR. Any disagreements with 24M or other future counterparties may impede FREYR’s ability to maximize the benefits of its licensing strategy and slow or otherwise adversely impact the development or deployment of FREYR’s battery plants. Among other things, 24M has the right to terminate the 24M License in various circumstances, including based on FREYR’s failure to achieve a defined production-rate milestone within a required timeframe, and for cause based on FREYR’s material breach, subject to cure rights and other procedural protections for dispute resolution where allegations of breach are disputed. In addition, 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. FREYR is not currently engaged in discussions with other licensors for alternative technology and, as a result, any disagreement with 24M or termination of the license agreement could result in a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, prospects and financial results.

Pursuant to the 24M License, FREYR’s license from 24M excludes rights to (a) manufacture battery cells within each of Japan and the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (“ASEAN”) until December 31, 2022 and (b) sell and offer to sell battery cells within each of Japan and the ASEAN until a future date currently estimated for each to be December 31, 2022. Furthermore, the 24M License only provides for limited exclusivity. With the exception of direct grants to any company that produces more than 500,000 cars and/or more than 10,000 trucks or buses annually, 24M will refrain from granting any license to manufacture battery cells within (i) Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Greenland, and Iceland (collectively, the “Scandinavian Region”) through December 31, 2023 and (ii) the European Economic Area (“EEA”), excluding the Scandinavian Region and the grant of no more than two licenses, inclusive of that granted to FREYR in the 24M License through December 31, 2023, in either case wherein the battery cell is produced for use, used or sold for grid connected electricity storage system applications that have more than 200 kWh of lithium-ion battery storage capacity, excluding any applications related to automotive charging or discharging. The exclusivity protection period can be extended for the Scandinavian Region beyond December 31, 2023 if FREYR pays an exclusivity fee. 24M may provide similar licenses to FREYR’s competitors in market segments or in geographic areas not covered by these terms. The use by FREYR’s competitors or potential competitors of 24M technology as a result of the limitations of the 24M license could result in a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, prospects and financial results.

FREYR may license technology that has not been commercialized or commercialized only to a limited extent, and the success of FREYR’s business depends on technology licensed performing as expected.

The technology licensed from 24M has been commercialized only to a limited extent and may not perform as expected. FREYR’s business plans are dependent on the technology from 24M performing as expected. If the cost, performance characteristics, simplified manufacturing process or other specifications of the technology licensed from 24M or another counterparty fall short of FREYR’s targets, FREYR’s projected sales, costs, time to market, competitive advantage, product pricing and margins would likely be adversely affected. In addition, FREYR may license technology from other third parties, which may not have been commercialized broadly or at all. If the technology that FREYR licenses does not perform as expected, FREYR’s competitive advantage, prospects, business and financial results may be adversely affected.

FREYR’s execution of its joint venture strategy is in a very early stage and is also subject to various risks which could adversely affect FREYR’s business and future prospects.

FREYR plans to enter into joint venture arrangements with established battery cell manufacturers or original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) pursuant to which it will develop production facilities customized to the partner’s design and process technology. However, there is no assurance that FREYR will be able to consummate the applicable definitive joint venture agreements as contemplated to commercialize the battery cells. For example, FREYR’s joint venture plans with various OEMs will require that FREYR enter into certain additional arrangements regarding the purchase of battery cells by the OEM joint venture partners. There can be no assurance that the parties will be able to agree to pricing or other terms that are financially beneficial or otherwise not unfavorable for FREYR. Joint venture arrangements may require FREYR, among other things, to pay certain costs, make certain capital investments or to 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 to ensure the ongoing success of the joint venture or to dissolve and liquidate the joint venture. These factors could result in a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, prospects and financial results.

FREYR may not be able to engage target customers successfully and to convert such contacts into meaningful orders in the future.

FREYR’s success depends on its ability to generate revenue and operate profitably, which depends in part on its ability to identify target customers and convert such contacts into meaningful orders or expand on current customer relationships. FREYR does not currently have any revenue or definitive off-take agreements (i.e., a contractual agreement to purchase output from our planned production facilities) with customers in place. FREYR has entered into and plans to enter into further conditional off-take agreements with customers, such as power companies and EV OEMs. If FREYR is unable to negotiate, finalize and maintain such agreements and satisfy the conditions thereto in order to enter into definitive agreements, or is only able to do so on terms that are unfavorable to FREYR, it will not be able to generate any revenue, which would have a material adverse effect on its business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

FREYR anticipates that in some cases its battery cells will be delivered to certain customers on an early trial deployment basis, where such customers have the ability to evaluate whether FREYR’s products meet their performance requirements before they commit to meaningful orders. If FREYR’s targeted customers do not commit to make meaningful orders, or at all, it could adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects and results of operations. FREYR’s customers may require protections in the form of price reductions and similar arrangements that allow them to require FREYR to deliver additional battery cells or reimburse them for losses they suffer as a result of FREYR’s late delivery or failure to meet agreed upon performance specification. Delays in delivery of FREYR’s battery cells, unexpected performance problems or other events could cause FREYR to fail to meet these contractual commitments, resulting in delays in obtaining necessary materials used in FREYR’s production process, defects in material or workmanship or unexpected problems in FREYR’s manufacturing process, which could lead to unanticipated revenue and earnings losses and financial penalties. The occurrence of any of these events could harm FREYR’s business, prospects, results of operations and financial results.

FREYR has entered into conditional off-take agreements which impose a number of technical, commercial and operational conditions that must be satisfied before definitive off-take arrangements or agreements may be entered into.

FREYR has entered into conditional off-take agreements with two potential customers. Such agreements include technical, commercial and operational conditions that we and/or the potential customers must satisfy before definitive off-take agreements may be entered into or other binding off-take obligations take effect. If FREYR or the customers are unable to meet such conditions, or FREYR is only able to enter into such agreements or obligations on terms that are unfavorable to us, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

FREYR may not be able to establish sufficient supply relationships for necessary components and materials which could prevent or delay the introduction of FREYR’s product and negatively impact its business.

FREYR will rely on third-party suppliers for components necessary to develop and manufacture its battery cells, including key supplies, such as cathode, anode and other material. FREYR has begun discussions with key suppliers, and has entered into certain frame agreements and non-binding head of terms agreements, memoranda of understanding or letters of intent with some potential key suppliers, but has not yet entered into definitive agreements for the supply of these materials. To the extent that FREYR is unable to enter into commercial agreements with these suppliers on beneficial terms, or at all, or these suppliers experience difficulties ramping up their supply of materials to meet FREYR’s requirements, the introduction of FREYR’s battery cells will be delayed. FREYR intends to brand itself as a builder of, and develop a reputation for building environmentally clean, low-cost battery cells from an ethically- and sustainably-sourced supply chain to attract customers and grow its business. If FREYR is unable to partner with such suppliers, FREYR’s business and financial prospects could be adversely affected. FREYR’s business also depends on such materials being available in Norway, Finland, the U.S. and other geographic areas where we plan to operate, so any negative developments in Norway, including but not limited to political or economic conditions or natural disasters or catastrophes could have a significant effect on FREYR’s ability to source supplies needed for its business. To the extent FREYR’s suppliers experience any delays in providing or developing the necessary materials, FREYR could experience delays in delivering on its timelines. In addition, FREYR cannot guarantee that its suppliers will not deviate from agreed-upon quality standards.

In addition, FREYR will depend initially on a number of 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 and materially and adversely affect FREYR’s results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

Any disruption in the supply of components or materials could temporarily disrupt 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 multiple value chains, such that disruption in one component of the supply chain could materially affect another and there are multiple possibilities for disruptions to arise, which could lead to further delays and adverse effects on the business and FREYR’s prospects. Changes in business conditions, unforeseen circumstances, governmental changes, the spread of COVID-19 and other factors beyond FREYR’s control or which it does not presently anticipate, could also affect its suppliers’ ability to deliver components to FREYR on a timely basis. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect FREYR’s results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

Substantial increases in the prices for FREYR’s raw materials and components, some of which are obtained in volatile markets where demand may exceed supply, could materially and adversely affect FREYR’s results of operations, financial conditions and negatively impact FREYR’s prospects.

FREYR expects to incur significant costs related to procuring components and materials required to manufacture and assemble its battery cells. FREYR expects to use various materials in its battery cells, including rare earth materials such as lithium and cobalt, that will require FREYR to negotiate purchase agreements and delivery lead-times on advantageous terms. FREYR has begun discussions with key suppliers but has not yet entered into definitive agreements for the supply of these materials. Since the beginning of 2021 there have been increases in the costs of and demand for certain raw materials, and FREYR cannot predict with certainty whether these changes are temporary or permanent. FREYR’s business model, brand and reputation will depend on the ability to find ethically sourced materials. If FREYR is unable to do so, FREYR’s time to market, competitive advantage, sales, prospects and financial condition may be adversely affected. In addition, prices for such materials, most notably lithium, have been volatile and may, together with other key components, increase significantly as a result of an increased electrification and demand for materials required to manufacture and assemble battery cells. 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. FREYR is exposed to multiple risks relating to the availability and pricing of such materials and components. 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 would materially and adversely affect FREYR’s business, increase its operating costs and negatively impact FREYR’s results of operations, financial conditions and prospects.

Currency fluctuations, trade barriers, tariffs or 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, which could further materially and adversely affect its results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

FREYR may be unable to adequately control the costs associated with its operations and the components necessary to manufacture its battery cells.

FREYR’s ability to become profitable in the future will not only depend on its ability to successfully market its battery cells and services, but also to forecast and control its costs. If FREYR is unable to adequately forecast costs or to cost-efficiently manufacture, market, sell, and distribute its battery cells, its margins, profitability and prospects would be materially and adversely affected. For example, costs for the construction of FREYR’s customer qualification plant will be significantly higher than initially forecasted. As part of making the final investment decision for the customer qualification plant, FREYR considered potential customer feedback and the value of future flexibility, including flexibility related to NMC and LFP manufacturing, size of electrodes, and increased automation, which led FREYR to decide to acquire certain upgraded equipment and implement a more complex equipment installation design. On July 23, 2021, FREYR entered into a contract with Mpac for supply of critical production line machinery in its customer qualification plant, the casting and unit cell assembly. Another factor in increased construction costs is the inflationary pressure on prices of equipment and building materials experienced in the first half of 2021 and continuing today. FREYR has also received preliminary input on plans relating to Gigafactory 1, which input reflects similar trends in costs.

FREYR has not yet produced any battery cells and its forecasted cost advantage for the production of these cells at scale in order to be competitive with other lithium-ion battery cells, will require FREYR to achieve rates of throughput, use of electricity and consumables, yield, and rate of automation demonstrated for mature battery, battery material, and ceramic manufacturing processes, that FREYR has not yet achieved. If FREYR is unable to achieve these targeted rates, its business and prospects will be adversely impacted.

FREYR’s future success depends in part on the ability to equip and construct manufacturing facilities, develop and increase its production capacity and to be able to do so on time, within its expected budget for capital expenditures, and in a cost-effective manner.

To the extent FREYR is successful in growing the business, FREYR will need to develop production capacity and increase it. FREYR has made the final investment decision to proceed with construction only of its customer qualification plant, which will be used to provide samples to enable early customer engagement and to test new material suppliers and new solutions over time. Following the investment decision of the CQP, construction work is on-going in Mo i Rana, Norway. FREYR’s ability to plan, construct and equip manufacturing facilities, including FREYR’s CQP and its Fast-Track manufacturing plants is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including the following:

If FREYR is unable to build and expand its manufacturing facilities, FREYR may be unable to scale the business. If the demand for FREYR’s battery cells or production output decreases or does not rise as expected, FREYR may not be able to spread a significant amount of its fixed costs over the production volume, thereby increasing per unit fixed cost, which would have a negative impact on FREYR’s financial condition and results of operations. To build its manufacturing facilities and expand FREYR’s production capacity, FREYR will need to hire, train and retain a considerable number of qualified employees. If FREYR is unable to attract, train and retain such personnel, its business, prospects and financial condition may be adversely affected.

FREYR is subject to risk relating to the construction and development activities of its manufacturing facilities.

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. On July 19, 2021, FREYR entered into two lease agreements with Mo Industripark with respect to the area to be used for the customer qualification plant. Pursuant to an earlier letter of intent, FREYR also has an exclusive right to lease and develop a second area as well as a first right of refusal for a third area, which expires on June 30, 2022. FREYR has also obtained a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the City of Vaasa, Finland, which provides FREYR with the exclusive right until July 22, 2022 to a 90-hectare site for a potential Gigafactory. Mo Industripark AS has certain permits related to its status as a regulated industrial zone, and FREYR has the consents, agreements, permits and licenses needed for its planned construction activities with respect to the CPQ; however, FREYR does not have all consents, agreements, permits or licenses needed for operation of the CPQ or its planned construction and operation activities with respect to the Gigafactories. Failure to obtain, delay in obtaining or losing necessary consents, commercial agreements, permits and licenses could result in delay or termination of development activities. Examples of conflicts that may arise from development are restriction of FREYR’s actions due to new or evolving environmental legislation, grid interdependencies and grid connection, proximity to existing infrastructure, and conflicts with non- governmental organizations regarding the use of land for the manufacturing facilities. If such conflicts arise, FREYR may be delayed or prevented from building and expanding its manufacturing facilities, which would have a negative impact on FREYR’s financial conditions, prospects and results of operations.

FREYR has obtained certain rights to use, but does not own, the land for any of its planned manufacturing facilities. If FREYR is unable to conclude fully termed agreements to all the land to which FREYR has certain rights within the deadlines set forth in the letter of intent with Mo Industripark AS (see the section titled “Information about FREYR — Partnerships”) and memorandum of understanding with the City of Vaasa, Finland, or on terms favorable to FREYR, it may be delayed or prevented from building its manufacturing facilities, which would have a negative impact on FREYR’s business, results of operation, financial condition and prospects. FREYR has not obtained rights to use and does not own any land for any manufacturing facilities aside from those described in the section titled “Information about FREYR — Partnerships”, below, and the rights related to the land in the City of Vaasa, Finland.

FREYR is sensitive to increases in the cost of supply of electricity, which is obtained in a highly regulated marketplace, susceptible to changes in the regulatory regime.

Access to low cost and reliable sources of electricity is important to FREYR’s business. The business depends on low electricity prices in Norway and any fluctuation in such prices could adversely affect FREYR’s business and prospects. Electricity prices are determined in a highly regulated Norwegian and EEA-wide marketplace, in which local prices are also strongly affected by constraints and changes in constraints on transmission and storage of electricity. FREYR has noticed an increase in electricity prices since the beginning of 2021, and cannot predict with certainty whether these changes are temporary or if additional increases will occur. Changes in the regulations and changes in infrastructure may increase FREYR’s cost of electricity to an extent which may not be passed on to customers through increased battery cell prices, and such price increases may reduce demand. There is no guarantee that contracts for sale of battery cells will allow for full offset of increased costs of electricity. In the future, FREYR will seek to mitigate this risk by entering into long-term electricity supply contracts to secure base volume and predictable prices and to secure some price adjustment in its battery cells sales contracts to partially offset any increase in electricity prices. However, there can be no assurance that FREYR will be able to do so on terms favorable to FREYR and that these will be effective, capture all risk or continue to be available to FREYR.

Accordingly, the failure to enter into electricity contracts on favorable terms or an increase in the price of electricity could materially adversely affect FREYR’s future earnings and may prevent FREYR from effectively competing in certain of its markets. Further, should the spot price for electricity fall below the hedging costs, these hedges may also weaken FREYR’s competitors without electricity cost hedging. This could in turn have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. FREYR is also exposed to changes in grid tariffs as a result of contemplated investments in power grids in Norway, and potentially as a result of changes in the grid structure, either of which would likely cause the grid operator to raise tariffs in order to finance such investments or changes. Any such increases could in turn have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, results of operations, financial conditions and prospects.

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.

FREYR will rely heavily on complex machinery for its operations and the production of its battery cells to operate large-scale manufacturing. FREYR has not yet acquired, developed or operated with such machinery and 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 equipment providers, such as Mpac, as well as technology providers, such as 24M, to ensure that it works properly for FREYR’s specific licensed-in battery technology. The production technology will be provided by third parties. FREYR has not entered into binding agreements with respect to such technology (other than with 24M), and there is no guarantee that FREYR will be able to do so. To the extent FREYR enters into additional binding agreements with such third parties, there is no guarantee that FREYR may have recourse or any guarantee from the providers that such third party production technology or machinery will perform as expected. Additionally, FREYR plans to enter into equipment purchase agreements directly with suppliers and 24M will not be a party to such agreements. Accordingly, although such purchasing decisions will be partially based on 24M’s input regarding the design and integration of this equipment, FREYR will not have recourse or guarantee 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 risk that FREYR will be unable to successfully operate such machinery and this design and integration work, including the work to be performed by Mpac, will involve a significant degree of uncertainty and risk and may result in the delay in the scaling up of production or result in additional significant cost to FREYR’s battery cells. Such machinery is intended to operate on a highly automated basis and if that does not occur, it could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s cost expenditures.

Both FREYR’s CPQ and its Fast-Track manufacturing plants will require complex machinery. Such machinery is likely to suffer unexpected malfunctions from time to time and will require repairs and spare parts to resume operations, which may not be available when needed. Unexpected malfunctions of FREYR’s production equipment may significantly affect the intended operational efficiency as can failures by suppliers to deliver necessary components of FREYR’s products in a timely manner and at prices and volumes acceptable to FREYR, environmental hazards and remediation, difficulty or delays in obtaining governmental permits, damages or defects in systems, industrial accidents, fire, and seismic activity and natural disasters.

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, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition or prospects.

If FREYR’s planned manufacturing plants in Mo i Rana do not become operable on schedule, or at all, or become inoperable, production of FREYR’S battery cells and FREYR’s business will be harmed.

FREYR expects to assemble and produce its battery cells at the CPQ in Mo i Rana, Norway, with production to begin in the end of 2022 at the earliest. FREYR has obtained certain rights to use, but does not own, the land for any of its planned manufacturing facilities. The plants may be harmed or rendered inoperable, or the construction or expansion of the plant may be halted, by natural or man-made disasters, including earthquakes, flooding, fire and power outages, or by health epidemics, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which may render it difficult or impossible for FREYR to manufacture its battery cells for some period of time. The plant and the equipment FREYR uses to manufacture the battery cells would be costly to replace and could require substantial lead time to replace and qualify for use. In addition, as result of the concentration of the planned manufacturing facilities in Mo i Rana, FREYR’s operations would be more significantly affected by negative developments in Norway, including but not limited to economic or political conditions, such as natural disasters or catastrophes, than if its operations were spread out over several regions. If FREYR decides to pursue a manufacturing facility in other locations, then FREYR’s operations may also be more significantly affected by negative developments in such locations, including but not limited to economic or political conditions, such as natural disaster or catastrophes. The inability to produce FREYR battery cells or the backlog that could develop if the manufacturing plant is inoperable for even a short period 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.

If FREYR’s battery cells fail to perform as expected, FREYR’s ability to develop, market, and sell its battery cells could be harmed and FREYR could be subject to increased warranty claims.

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 or that may require repair, recalls, and design changes. FREYR’s battery cells are inherently complex and incorporate technology and components that may contain defects and errors, particularly when first introduced. FREYR has a limited frame of reference from which to evaluate the long-term performance of its battery cells. There can be no assurance that FREYR will be able to detect and fix any defects in its battery cells prior to the sale to potential consumers. If FREYR’s battery cells fail to perform as expected, it could lose design wins and customers may delay deliveries, terminate further orders, pursue warranty claims against FREYR or initiate product recalls, each of which could adversely affect FREYR’s sales and brand and could adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects, and results of operations.

Lithium-ion battery cells have been observed to catch fire or vent smoke and flame.

Lithium-ion cells can rapidly release the energy they contain by venting smoke and flames in a manner that can ignite nearby materials as well as other lithium-ion cells. Negative public perceptions regarding the suitability of lithium-ion cells or any future incident involving lithium-ion cells, such as a vehicle or other fire, even if such incident does not involve FREYR battery cells, could seriously harm FREYR’s business and reputation. Any incident involving FREYR’s battery cells 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. Any mishandling of battery cells may cause disruption to the operation of FREYR’s facilities. While FREYR plans to implement safety procedures related to the handling of the battery cells, a safety issue or fire related to the cells could disrupt FREYR’s operations. Such damage or injury could lead to adverse publicity and potentially a safety recall. Moreover, any failure of a competitor’s electric vehicle or energy storage product may cause indirect adverse publicity for FREYR and FREYR’s battery cells. Such adverse publicity could negatively affect FREYR’s brand and harm FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

 Doing business internationally creates operational, financial and tax risks for FREYR’s business.

FREYR’s business plan includes operations in international markets, including initial manufacturing and supply activities in Norway, initial sales in North America 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 and time zones and consumes significant management resources. If FREYR fails to coordinate and manage these activities effectively, its business, financial condition, prospects or results of operations could be adversely affected. International sales entail a variety of risks, including currency exchange fluctuations, challenges in staffing and managing foreign operations, tariffs and other trade barriers, unexpected changes in legislative or regulatory requirements of foreign countries into which FREYR sells its products and services, difficulties in obtaining export licenses or in overcoming other trade barriers, laws and business practices favoring local companies, political and economic instability, difficulties protecting or procuring intellectual property rights, and restrictions resulting in delivery delays and significant taxes or other burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws. In particular, in February 2022, armed conflict escalated between Russia and Ukraine. The EU and other governments in jurisdictions in which we plan to operate in have imposed severe sanctions and export controls against Russia and Russian interests, and have threatened additional sanctions and controls. It is not possible to predict the broader consequences of this conflict, which could include further sanctions, embargoes, greater regional instability, geopolitical shifts and other adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, currency exchange rates, supply chains and financial markets.

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, together with its conducting of operations in international markets as described above, subject to tax risk. The expected tax treatment of FREYR and its subsidiaries relies on current tax laws and regulations, as well as certain tax treaties between the aforementioned different jurisdictions. As such, unexpected changes, interpretation, application or enforcement practice in respect of legislative or regulatory requirements of such tax laws in foreign countries into which FREYR or any of its subsidiaries is incorporated and/or conducting operations and sales in, including but not limited to, changes in treatment of sales and results of operations earned in foreign and offshore jurisdictions, value added tax, cessation of tax treaties and recognition of tax law principles in other jurisdictions, as well as other changes in corporate tax law, may adversely FREYR’s business, financial conditions, prospects or result of operations.

FREYR has been, and may in the future be, adversely affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

FREYR faces various risks related to epidemics, pandemics, and other outbreaks, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19, including changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears and market downturns, and restrictions on business and individual activities, has created significant volatility in the global economy and led to reduced economic activity. The spread of COVID-19 has also impacted FREYR’s potential customers and suppliers by disrupting the manufacturing, delivery and overall supply chain of battery and EV manufacturers and suppliers and has led to a global decrease in battery and EV sales in markets around the world. The pandemic has resulted in government authorities implementing numerous measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, and business shutdowns. These measures have and may continue to adversely impact FREYR’s employees, operations and the operations of its suppliers, vendors and business partners, and may negatively impact its sales and marketing activities. In addition, various aspects of FREYR’s business cannot be conducted remotely. These measures by government authorities may remain in place for a significant period of time and they are likely to continue to adversely affect FREYR’s future manufacturing plans, sales and marketing activities, prospects, business and results of operations. FREYR may take further actions as may be required by government authorities or that it determines are in the best interests of its employees, suppliers, vendors and business partners.

As a result, it is currently not possible to predict the consequences for FREYR, its business partners, Norway, the battery and EV industry, or global business and markets, other than the expectations of adverse negative effects that may be long-term. Due to FREYR not having any income prior to the completion of the manufacturing facility and thus, inter alia, being dependent on proceeds from share capital raises and debt financing arrangements, FREYR is exceedingly more exposed to the potential impact of COVID-19 on its business and financial position compared to other players in the battery industry that have stable sources of revenue.

The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact FREYR’s business, prospects and results of operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the duration and spread of the pandemic, its severity, the actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating activities can resume. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, FREYR may continue to experience an adverse impact to its business as a result of its global economic impact, including any recession that has occurred or may occur in the future.

There are no comparable recent events that may provide guidance as to the effect of the spread of COVID-19 and a pandemic, and, as a result, the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or a similar health epidemic is highly uncertain.

FREYR’s facilities or operations could be damaged or adversely affected as a result of natural disasters and other catastrophic events.

FREYR’s facilities or operations could be adversely affected by events outside of its control, such as natural disasters, wars, and other calamities. FREYR cannot assure that any backup systems will be adequate to protect it from the effects of fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins, war, riots, terrorist attacks or similar events. Any of the foregoing events may give rise to interruptions, breakdowns, system failures, technology platform failures or internet failures, which could cause the loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of software or hardware as well as adversely affect FREYR’s ability to produce battery cells.

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.

Experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate FREYR’s network and misappropriate or compromise its confidential information or that of third parties, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns. Computer programmers and hackers also may be able to develop and deploy viruses, worms and other malicious software programs that attack its products or otherwise exploit any security vulnerabilities of its products. While FREYR employs a number of protective measures, including firewalls, network infrastructure vulnerability scanning, anti-virus and endpoint detection and response technologies, these measures may fail to prevent or detect attacks on its systems.

In addition, FREYR’s hardware and software or third party components and software that it utilizes in its products may contain defects in design or manufacture, including “bugs” and other problems that could unexpectedly interfere with the operation or security of the products. The costs to FREYR to eliminate or mitigate cyber or other security problems, bugs, viruses, worms, malicious software programs 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 sales, manufacturing, distribution or other critical functions.

Any claim that its products or systems are subject to a cybersecurity risk, whether valid or not, could damage its reputation and adversely impact its revenues and results of operations. FREYR manages and stores various proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data relating to its business as well as information from its suppliers and customers. Breaches of FREYR’s or any of its third party suppliers’ security measures or the accidental loss, inadvertent disclosure or unapproved dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive or confidential data about it or its customers or suppliers, including the potential loss or disclosure of such information or data 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, result in litigation and potential liability for it, damage its brand and reputation or otherwise harm its business.

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 arise with respect to it, any of which would cause its business, operations, or products to be adversely affected. 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, including a significant decrease in consumer confidence, may materially and adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.

In recent years, the global economies suffered dramatic downturns as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a deterioration in the credit markets and related financial crisis as well as a variety of other factors including, among other things, extreme volatility in security prices, severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, ratings downgrades of certain investments and declining valuations of others. The United States 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, if needed, on a timely basis and on acceptable terms or at all.

If FREYR is unable to retain key employees and qualified personnel, and hire technical, engineering, sales, marketing, manufacturing plant operations and support personnel, its ability to compete and successfully grow the business could be harmed.

FREYR’s current management team has been fully appointed. Going forward, FREYR’s success depends on its ability to retain its executive officers, key employees and other qualified personnel, and its operations may be severely disrupted if it lost their services. Additionally, FREYR’s success depends on the ability to attract and retain qualified technology, engineering, sales, marketing, manufacturing plant operations and support personnel, and failure to do so could adversely affect its business, prospects, results of operations and financial results. As FREYR builds its brand and becomes more well known, there is increased risk that competitors or other companies will seek to hire its personnel. The loss of FREYR’s executive officers and key employees and an inability to find suitable replacement could result in delays to development and harm FREYR’s business. Any failure by FREYR’s management team and key employees to perform as expected may have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Unfavorable changes in any of these or other factors, most of which are beyond FREYR’s control, could materially and adversely affect its business, prospects, results of operations and financial results.

Risks Relating to FREYR’s Limited Operating History

FREYR is an early stage company with a history of financial losses and expects to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future.

FREYR Legacy had an accumulated deficit of approximately $30.8 million from its inception to June 30, 2021 and has not generated any revenues to date. FREYR believes that it will continue to incur operating and net losses each quarter until at least the time it begins significant commercial production of its battery cells, which is not expected to occur until 2024, and may occur later.

FREYR expects the rate at which it will incur losses to be significantly higher in future periods as it, among other things, continues to incur significant expenses in connection with the design, development and manufacturing of its battery cells; invests in manufacturing capabilities; builds up inventories of components for its battery cells; increases its sales and marketing activities; develops its distribution infrastructure; and increases its 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, which would further increase FREYR’s losses.

FREYR’s and FREYR Legacy’s very limited operating history makes evaluating FREYR’s business and future prospects difficult and may increase the risk of investments in FREYR.

FREYR’s operations to date have been limited to recruiting management and other employees, business planning, raising capital, selecting applicable third party technologies and securing a partnership with 24M, establishing and attempting to establish partnerships with potential suppliers, customers and ecosystem partners, early stage project development, and general corporate development. If FREYR does not successfully address these risks, its business, prospects, operating results and financial condition will be materially and adversely harmed. FREYR has a very limited operating history on which investors can base an evaluation of FREYR’s business, operating results and prospects. FREYR intends to derive substantially all of its revenues from the sale and lease of the battery cells, which FREYR has not yet started production of. There are no assurances that FREYR will be able to secure future business. It is difficult to predict FREYR’s future revenues and appropriately budget for its expenses, and FREYR has limited insight into trends that may emerge and affect its business. In the event that actual results differ from FREYR’s estimates or FREYR adjusts its estimates in future periods, FREYR’s operating results, prospects and financial position could be materially affected.

If FREYR fails to manage its future growth effectively, it may not be able to market and sell its battery cells successfully.

FREYR intends to expand its operations significantly, which will require hiring, retaining and training new personnel, controlling expenses, establishing manufacturing plants and other facilities, and implementing administrative infrastructure, systems and processes. FREYR intends to continue to hire a significant number of additional personnel, including design and manufacturing personnel and technicians. Furthermore, as FREYR is a young company, its ability to train and integrate new employees into its operations may not meet the growing demands of its business which may affect its ability to grow. If FREYR experiences significant growth in orders, without improvements in automation and efficiency, FREYR may need additional manufacturing capacity and FREYR and some of its suppliers may need additional and capital- intensive equipment. Any growth in manufacturing must include a scaling of quality control as the increase in production increases the possible impact of manufacturing defects. If FREYR cannot manage its growth, FREYR may be unable to take advantage of market opportunities, execute its business strategies or respond to competitive pressures. Any failure to effectively manage its growth could materially and adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

FREYR’s management has limited experience in operating a public company and the requirements of being a public company may strain FREYR’s resources, divert management’s attention and affect the ability to attract and retain qualified board members and officers.

FREYR’s executive officers have limited experience in the management of a publicly traded company. FREYR’s management team may not successfully or effectively manage its transition to a public company that will be subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under federal securities laws. Their limited experience in dealing with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies could be a significant disadvantage in that it is likely that an increasing amount of their time may be devoted to these activities which will result in less time being devoted to the management and growth of the combined company, which could harm FREYR’s business, prospects and results of operations. FREYR may not have adequate personnel with the appropriate level of knowledge, experience, and training in the accounting policies, practices or internal controls over financial reporting required of public companies in the United States. The development and implementation of the standards and controls necessary for the combined company to achieve the level of regulatory compliance required of a public company in the United States may require costs greater than expected. It is possible that the combined company will be required to expand its employee base and hire additional employees to support its operations as a public company, which will increase its operating costs in future periods. Compliance with these rules and regulations will increase FREYR’s legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on FREYR’s systems and resources.

FREYR’s joint venture with KSP is subject to various risks, including the fact that the joint venture may not be successful (or less successful than expected), which could adversely affect our business and future prospects.

Even though FREYR and KSP reached final terms and entered into binding documentation for the joint venture in October 2021, there can be no assurance that the joint venture will be able to complete the development of a battery cell manufacturing facility and successfully manufacture and commercialize batteries in North America. These factors could harm FREYR’s business, results of operations and financial results.

FREYR expects that the joint venture with KSP may not benefit from some of the same competitive advantages as FREYR’s planned Norwegian manufacturing facilities. FREYR’s Norwegian manufacturing facilities benefit from, among other things, relatively low electricity prices, high percentages of renewable electricity generation, access to globally-connected transportation, access to a highly educated Norwegian workforce and a domestic Norwegian and regional Nordic battery research and production ecosystem. The potential location of the joint venture’s battery manufacturing facility in North America (which has not been identified at this stage) is likely to have different characteristics, which could reduce the expected benefits of the potential joint venture. Any such joint venture will also be subject to various operational risks, including execution, regulatory, competition and market risks.

Risks Relating to FREYR’s Intellectual Property

If FREYR is unable to protect its intellectual property rights, 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 non-disclosure 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 will take to prevent misappropriation may not be sufficient. Any enforcement efforts FREYR undertakes, including litigation, could be time-consuming and expensive and could divert management’s attention, which could harm its business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, existing intellectual property laws and contractual remedies may afford less protection than needed to safeguard intellectual property FREYR establishes. Failure to adequately protect such intellectual property could result in competitors offering similar products, potentially resulting in the loss of some of FREYR’s competitive advantage and a decrease in FREYR’s revenue which would adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

Beyond its access to 24M’s process technology under the 24M License, FREYR has not established or protected, and may not be able to establish, adequately protect or prevent unauthorized use of any material additional intellectual property. Patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws vary significantly throughout the world. A number of countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of European countries or the United States. Failure to establish, adequately protect or prevent unauthorized use of any additional intellectual property rights could result in its competitors using the intellectual property to offer products, potentially resulting in the loss of some of FREYR’s competitive advantage and a decrease in its revenue, which would adversely affect its business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

If FREYR is able to establish or adequately protect additional intellectual property, to prevent infringement in the future, FREYR may have to file infringement claims. Such claims can be time consuming and costly to prosecute 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 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 the secrecy of its trade secrets and confidential information are sufficient to prevent others from obtaining such information.

FREYR is unable to assert, enforce and otherwise protect the intellectual property rights licensed by 24M and rights to indemnification under the 24M License may be insufficient or unavailable, which could lead to increased costs and negatively affect the business.

Under the 24M License, FREYR does not have the right to assert, enforce or protect any of the intellectual property licensed to it by 24M. In addition, certain patents licensed from 24M are jointly owned by 24M and third parties. FREYR may also face claims that its use of 24M 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, depending on its use of the technology, whether it chooses to retain control over conduct of the litigation, and other factors. This could result in its competitors using the same 24M intellectual property to offer products, potentially resulting in the loss of some of FREYR’s competitive advantage and a decrease in its revenue, which would adversely affect its business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

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 own and/or licensed-in intellectual property rights. Additionally, third parties may claim that 24M is 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 is determined to have infringed upon a third party’s intellectual property rights, FREYR may be required to do one or more of the following:

In the event of a successful claim of infringement against FREYR and its failure or inability to obtain a license to the infringed technology, FREYR’s business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, any litigation or claims, whether or not valid, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management’s attention.

Risks Relating to Industry and Market Trends and Developments

The battery market 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 in development and commercialization than FREYR and have more resources to improve their share of the market. To date, FREYR has focused its efforts on recruiting management and other employees, business planning, raising capital, selecting applicable third party technologies and securing a partnership with 24M, establishing and attempting to establish partnerships with potential suppliers, customers and ecosystem partners, early stage project development, and general corporate development. Although FREYR believes its partnerships strategy, including the partnership with 24M, has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of battery cells, there is no guarantee that 24M process technology or other future partnerships will be able to deliver the cost savings anticipated by FREYR and FREYR will need to build its resources to compete with other companies in the market. In addition, lithium-ion battery manufacturers may continue to reduce the cost of the conventional manufacturing process and expand their supply of battery cells, reducing the prospects for FREYR’s business and negatively impacting FREYR’s ability to sell its products at a market-competitive price and yet at sufficient margins.

FREYR expects competition in battery technology and EVs to intensify due to a regulatory push for EVs, continuing globalization, and consolidation in the worldwide automotive industry. Developments in alternative technologies or improvements in battery technology made by competitors may materially adversely affect the sales, pricing and gross margins of FREYR’s battery cells. If a competing process or technology is developed that has superior operational or price performance, FREYR’s business will be harmed.

FREYR must continue to commit significant resources to develop its partnership strategy and industrial scaling solution in order to establish a competitive position. There is no assurance FREYR will successfully identify the right partners or manufacture and bring its battery cells to market on a timely basis, or that products and technologies developed by others will not render FREYR’s battery cells obsolete or noncompetitive, any of which would adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects and operating results.

Potential partners, suppliers and other third parties will be less likely to enter into arrangements with FREYR if they are not convinced that its business model will succeed in the long-term. Similarly, customers will be less likely to purchase FREYR’s battery cells 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 partners, suppliers, customers, analysts, rating agencies and other parties in its long-term financial viability and business prospects. Developing and maintaining such confidence may be particularly complicated by certain factors, including those that are largely outside of FREYR’s control, such as its very limited operating history, market unfamiliarity with its products, any delays in its industrial scaling, delivery and service operations to meet demand, competition from other manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries or those developing alternative technologies, and FREYR’s eventual production and sales performance compared with market expectations.

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 of increased development of renewable sources of energy.

FREYR’s growth and future demand for FREYR’s products is 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 store systems. The market for EVs is still rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, competitive pricing and competitive factors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, and changing 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, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be harmed.

Additionally, one of FREYR’s primary markets is stationary storage, which is largely driven by 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 brand depends on the ability to build clean, low-cost 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 result or failure to expand its brand, which would harm FREYR’s business and results of operations.

FREYR will depend significantly on building and maintaining its brand and reputation for building environmentally clean, low-cost battery cells from an ethically- and sustainably-sourced supply chain to attract customers and grow its business. If FREYR is unable to, for instance, reduce the CO₂ footprint of the traditional battery production process, reduce production costs or obtain its materials from ethical and sustainable suppliers, its brand and reputation could be significantly impaired, which could affect its ability to compete. FREYR also relies on the low carbon intensity of the electricity produced in Norway, and any change to such carbon intensity could adversely affect its brand and reputation and ability to compete. Further, 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 issues, 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. FREYR anticipates that its marketing and branding initiatives that will involve incurring significant expenses in advance of corresponding revenues. FREYR cannot assure that such marketing and branding expenses will result in the successful expansion of its brand recognition or increase its revenues.

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 the energy storage system (“ESS”), automotive manufacturers and maritime sectors. FREYR does not currently have any definitive customer agreements in place. Therefore, FREYR’s future success will depend on its ability to effectively sell its products to such large customers. Sales to these end-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, (i) increased purchasing power and leverage held by large customers in negotiating contractual arrangements with FREYR and (ii) longer sales cycles and the associated risk that substantial time and resources may be spent on a potential end-customer that elects not to purchase FREYR’s solutions.

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 and unanticipated administrative, processing and other delays. Finally, 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 revenue. 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 the highly cyclical markets, such as the automotive, maritime and renewable energy industries. Thus, it is difficult to predict FREYR’s future revenues and appropriately budget for its expenses, and FREYR may have limited insight into trends that may emerge and affect its business. FREYR anticipates being required to provide forecasts of its demand to its current and future suppliers prior to the scheduled delivery of products to potential customers. Currently, there is no historical basis for making judgments on the demand for FREYR’s battery cells or its ability to develop, manufacture, and deliver battery cells, or FREYR’s profitability in the future. If FREYR overestimates its requirements, its suppliers may have excess inventory, which indirectly would increase FREYR’s costs. If FREYR underestimates its requirements, its suppliers may have inadequate inventory, which could interrupt manufacturing of its products and result in delays in shipments and revenues. In addition, lead times for materials and components that FREYR’s suppliers order may vary significantly and depend on factors such as the specific supplier, contract terms and demand for each component at a given time. If FREYR fails to order sufficient quantities of product components in a timely manner, the delivery of battery cells to its potential customers could be delayed, which would harm FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

Furthermore, due to FREYR’s future customers’ exposure to the abovementioned highly cyclical markets, customers may, in response to unfavorable market conditions, request delays in contract, shipment dates or other contract modifications or else default, terminate or not renew their contractual arrangements with FREYR. Consequently, the financial performance of FREYR will fluctuate with the general economic cycle, a decline in which could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

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, resulting in lower revenues, earnings, and cash flows.

Global battery cell production capacity has been materially increasing overall, and has resulted in the past, and is expected to continue to result, in substantial downward pressure on the price of battery cells. Given the general downward pressure on prices for battery cells driven by increasing supply and technological change, a principal component of FREYR’s business strategy is reducing its costs to manufacture battery cells to become and remain competitive. If FREYR’s competitors are able to drive down their manufacturing costs faster than FREYR can, its battery cells may become less competitive. Further, if raw materials costs and other third-party component costs were to increase, FREYR may not meet its cost reduction targets. If FREYR cannot effectively execute its cost reduction roadmap, FREYR’s competitive position will suffer, and FREYR could lose market share and FREYR’s margins would be adversely affected as it faces downward pricing pressure. Intensifying competition could cause FREYR to lose sales or market share. Such price reductions or loss of sales or market share could have a negative impact on FREYR’s revenue and earnings, and could materially adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition and cash flows.

The battery industry and its technology are rapidly evolving and may be subject to unforeseen changes, such as technological developments in existing technologies or new developments in competitive technologies that could adversely affect the demand for FREYR’s battery cells.

FREYR may be unable to keep up with changes in the rapidly evolving battery market and, as a result, its competitiveness may suffer. FREYR’s competitors include major battery manufacturers currently supplying the markets, automotive OEMs, and potential new entrants. There are several development-stage companies seeking to improve conventional lithium-ion batteries or to develop new technologies 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 hydrogen energy storage or carbon capture storage and sequestration. If FREYR is unable to keep up with competitive developments, including if such technologies achieve lower prices or enjoy greater policy support than the lithium-ion battery industry, FREYR’s competitive position and growth prospects may be harmed. If FREYR’s competitive position and growth prospects are harmed, then FREYR’s manufacturing facilities may be no longer needed and may have less or no value, adversely affecting FREYR’s business, prospects and financial condition.

Risks Relating to Finance and Accounting

FREYR’s business model of manufacturing battery cells is capital-intensive, and FREYR may not be able to raise additional capital on attractive terms, if at all, which could be dilutive to shareholders. If FREYR cannot raise additional capital when needed, its operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

The development, design, manufacturing and sale of batteries is a capital-intensive business. As a result of the capital-intensive nature of FREYR’s business, it can be expected to continue to incur substantial operating expenses without generating sufficient revenues to cover expenditures. Over time, FREYR may need to raise additional funds, including through entry into new or extending existing joint venture arrangements, through the issuance of equity, equity-related or debt securities or through obtaining credit from financial institutions to fund, together with FREYR’s principal sources of liquidity, ongoing costs such as research and development relating to its battery cells, the construction of Gigafactories, any significant unplanned or accelerated expenses, and new strategic investments. FREYR cannot be certain that additional capital will be available on attractive terms, if at all, when needed, which could be dilutive to shareholders, and its financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

FREYR’s operating and financial results forecast relies in large part upon assumptions and analyses developed by FREYR. If these assumptions or analyses prove to be incorrect, FREYR’s actual operating results may be materially different from its forecasted results.

The projected financial and operating information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K reflect current management estimates of future performance. Whether actual operating and financial results and business developments will be consistent with FREYR’s expectations and assumptions as reflected in its forecasts depends on a number of factors, many of which are outside FREYR’s control, including, but not limited to:

Unfavorable changes in any of these or other factors, most of which are beyond FREYR’s control, could materially and adversely affect its business, results of operations, prospects and financial results.

FREYR may face litigation and other risks if it identifies a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting.

As a result of any material weakness FREYR may identify in internal control over financial reporting and other matters raised or that may in the future be raised by the SEC, FREYR may face potential litigation or other disputes which may include, among others, claims invoking the federal and state securities laws, contractual claims or other claims arising from any material weakness in FREYR’s internal control over financial reporting. As of the date of this Form 10-K, FREYR has no knowledge of any such litigation or dispute. However, FREYR can provide no assurance that such litigation or dispute will not arise in the future. Any such litigation or dispute, whether successful or not, could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

If FREYR discovers a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting or otherwise fails to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, FREYR’s ability to report its financial results on a timely and accurate basis and the market price of its ordinary shares may be adversely affected.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that FREYR evaluate the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Although FREYR did not identify any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2021, subsequent testing by FREYR or its independent registered public accounting firm, which has not performed an audit of its internal control over financial reporting, may reveal deficiencies in FREYR’s internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. Prior to the completion of the Business Combination, FREYR Legacy was a private company with limited resources and did not have the necessary business processes and related internal controls formally designed and implemented, coupled with the appropriate resources with the appropriate level of experience and technical expertise, to oversee FREYR Legacy’s business processes and controls. To comply with Section 404A, FREYR may incur substantial cost, expend significant management time on compliance-related issues and hire additional accounting, financial and internal audit staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge. Moreover, if FREYR is not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404A in a timely manner or if FREYR or its independent registered public accounting firm identify deficiencies in FREYR’s internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, FREYR could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources. Any failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, prospects and operating results, and cause a decline in the price of FREYR Ordinary Shares.

If FREYR is unable to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, and build its finance infrastructure, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy of FREYR’s financial reports.

As a public company, FREYR is required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act the regulations of the NYSE, the rules and regulations of the SEC, expanded disclosure requirements, accelerated reporting requirements and more complex accounting rules. 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 are important to help prevent financial fraud. Commencing with the beginning of fiscal year 2022, FREYR must perform system and process evaluation and testing of its internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting in this Form 10-K, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. FREYR has never been required to test its internal controls within a specified period and, as a result, it may experience difficulty in meeting these reporting requirements in a timely manner.

FREYR is now in the process of finalizing the building of its accounting and financial functions and infrastructure, which has required significant additional professional fees, internal costs and management efforts. FREYR is implementing a new internal system to combine and streamline the management of its financial, accounting, human resources and other functions. However, such a system would likely require FREYR to complete many processes and procedures for the effective use of the system or to run its business using the system, which may result in substantial costs. Any disruptions or difficulties in implementing or using such a system could adversely affect FREYR’s controls and harm its business. Moreover, such disruption or difficulties could result in unanticipated costs and diversion of management’s attention. In addition, FREYR may discover additional weaknesses in its system of internal financial and accounting controls and procedures that could result in a material misstatement of its financial statements. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.

FREYR may fail to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, in which case FREYR’s internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. FREYR also may not be able to detect errors and fraud on a timely basis and its financial statements may be materially misstated. If FREYR fails to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, its business and results of operations could be harmed, and investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of its financial reports, which could cause the price of its 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 which could adversely affect FREYR’s business.

FREYR’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.

Until commercial production starts, FREYR will incur significant net cash outflows and net operating loss carryforwards. For the year ended December 31, 2021 we had significant net operating loss carryforwards in both Norway and Luxembourg. In Luxembourg, losses can be carried forward up to 17 years, while in Norway losses can be carried forward indefinitely. Utilization of the losses assumes that FREYR will have sufficient taxable income in these countries, and may be limited based on applicable anti-abuse provisions etc. Any such limitations on FREYR’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards and other tax assets could adversely impact its tax expense, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

Rising interest rates could adversely impact FREYR’s business.

Rising interest rates will increase FREYR’s cost of capital. FREYR’s future success may depend on its ability to raise capital to help finance the scaling of its production capacity. Rising interest rates may have an adverse impact on FREYR’s ability to offer attractive pricing to its customers.

The unavailability, reduction or elimination of government and economic incentives could have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

Any reduction, elimination, or discriminatory application of government subsidies and economic incentives because of policy changes, or the reduced need for such subsidies and incentives due to the perceived success of clean and renewable energy products or other reasons, may result in the diminished competitiveness of the battery industry generally or FREYR’s battery cells in particular. This could materially and adversely affect the growth of the battery markets and FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

While certain tax credits and other incentives for clean and renewable energy products have been available in the past, there is no guarantee these programs will be available in the future. If current tax incentives are not available in the future, FREYR’s financial position could be harmed.

FREYR may be a passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC,” for the current taxable year 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 deemed 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 may be subject to additional reporting requirements. Based on the market price of FREYR ordinary shares and the composition of FREYR's assets (in particular the retention of a substantial amount of cash) during 2021, it is likely that FREYR was a PFIC for its taxable year ending December 31, 2021. Based on the current market price of FREYR ordinary shares and the current and anticipated composition of the income, assets and operations of FREYR and its subsidiaries, FREYR may be a PFIC for its current taxable year and subsequent taxable years.

Whether FREYR or any of its subsidiaries are a PFIC for any taxable year is a factual determination that must be 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 and its subsidiaries’ shares and assets. Whether FREYR is treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes is thus subject to significant uncertainty. Because items of working capital are generally treated as passive assets for PFIC purposes, retaining or accumulating cash, cash equivalents and other assets such as short-term and long-term investments that are readily convertible into cash increases the risk that FREYR will be classified as a PFIC. However, FREYR’s actual PFIC status for its current taxable year or any future taxable year will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year. Accordingly, there can be no assurances with respect to FREYR’s status as a PFIC for its current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year. Moreover, although a determination as to the Company’s PFIC status will be made annually, the Company will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder who held Company securities during a taxable year for which the Company was a PFIC, whether or not the Company meets the test for PFIC status in subsequent years.

If FREYR determines it is a PFIC for any taxable year, it will endeavor to make available to a U.S. Holder such information as the 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 we will timely provide such required information, and such election would likely be unavailable with respect to our warrants in all cases.

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 financial condition 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, which could harm its business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition. FREYR faces inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event its battery cells do not perform as expected or malfunction resulting in personal injury or death. A successful product liability claim against FREYR could require FREYR to pay a substantial monetary award. Moreover, a product liability claim could generate substantial negative publicity about FREYR, which would have material adverse effect on FREYR’s brand, business, prospects and operating results. Any insurance coverage might not be sufficient to cover all potential product liability claims. Any lawsuit seeking significant monetary damages either in excess of FREYR’s coverage, or outside of FREYR’s coverage, may have a material adverse effect on FREYR’s reputation, business, prospects and financial condition. FREYR may not be able to secure additional product liability insurance coverage on commercially acceptable terms or at reasonable costs when needed, particularly if it does face liability for its products and are forced to make a claim under its policy.

Insufficient warranty reserves to cover future warranty claims could materially adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

Once FREYR’s battery cells are in production, FREYR will need to maintain warranty reserves to cover warranty-related claims. If the warranty reserves are inadequate to cover future warranty claims on FREYR’s battery cells, its business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected. FREYR may become subject to significant and unexpected warranty expenses. There can be no assurances that then-existing warranty reserves will be sufficient to cover all claims.

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 particularly, as permitted by Luxembourg law, the Articles and its indemnification agreements that it expects to enter into with its directors and officers will 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 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” or “proceeding” include all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or otherwise including appeals) actual or threatened and 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 any director or officer of FREYR or a direct or indirect subsidiary of FREYR (i) by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties of a director or officer, (ii) 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 (iii) 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 a director or officer of FREYR or a direct or indirect subsidiary of FREYR against any liability asserted against him or her or incurred by or on behalf of him or her in his or her capacity as a director or officer of FREYR or a direct or indirect subsidiary of FREYR. The right of indemnification will be severable, will not affect any other rights to which any director or officer of FREYR or a direct or indirect subsidiary of FREYR 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 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.

FREYRs Consolidated Articles of Association (the “Articles”) include a forum selection clause, which may impact shareholders’ ability to bring actions against it.

The Articles provide that, unless FREYR consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the Unites States of America 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, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.

Liabilities related to Sjonfjellet Vindpark AS’s operations when it was part of FREYR Legacy, or liabilities associated with Sjonfjellet Vindpark AS’s spin-off from FREYR Legacy, could adversely affect FREYR’s business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and cash flows.

FREYR Legacy entered into a demerger plan when Sjonfjellet Vindpark AS, together with assets, rights and liabilities of FREYR Legacy relating to its former wind power business was transferred from FREYR Legacy to a separate limited company, SVPH, by way of a Norwegian law rule allowing for so-called demergers, mirroring FREYR Legacy’s then ownership structure into that company such that FREYR Legacy security holders in the aggregate hold the same underlying interest in the same underlying businesses through the two companies, FREYR Legacy and SVPH (the “Norway Demerger Plan”). The Norway Demerger Plan provides for, among other things, a transfer of assets and obligations designed to make FREYR financially responsible for liabilities allocable to FREYR Legacy before the spin-off, and to make Sjonfjellet Vindpark AS and SVPH financially responsible for liabilities allocable to Sjonfjellet Vindpark AS and FREYR Legacy’s former wind business before the spin-off. Pursuant to Norwegian law, FREYR is subject to joint and several liability if either Sjonfjellet Vindpark AS or SVPH fails to perform an obligation transferred according to the Norway Demerger Plan. The joint and several liability is limited to an amount equivalent to the net value accruing to SVPH when acquiring Sjonfjellet Vindpark AS, together with the assets, rights and liabilities of FREYR Legacy relating to its former wind power business as part of the abovementioned demerger. As a consequence, FREYR may be required to indemnify SVPH if SVPH is required, but unable, to perform an obligation transferred according to the Norway Demerger Plan and/or fails to indemnify FREYR. Either of these could negatively affect FREYR’s business, prospects, financial position, results of operations, and/or cash flows.

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 that could result in liability and adversely impact its reputation and future sales.

FREYR may face significant challenges with respect to information security and maintaining the security and integrity of its systems and other systems used in its business, as well as with respect to the data stored on or processed by these systems. 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 financial prospects. Advances in technology, an increased level of sophistication, and an increased level of expertise of hackers, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or others can result in a compromise or breach of the systems used in its business or of security measures used in its business to protect confidential information, personal information, and other data.

The availability and effectiveness of FREYR’s battery cells, and FREYR’s ability to conduct its business and operations, depend on the continued operation of information technology and communications systems, some of which FREYR has yet to develop or otherwise obtain the ability to use. Systems used in FREYR’s business, including data centers and other information technology systems, will be vulnerable to damage or interruption. Such systems could also 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 intentional or inadvertent acts or omissions by employees, service providers, or others. FREYR anticipates using outsourced service providers to help provide certain services, and any such outsourced service providers 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 any 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 engaged in online criminal activities and otherwise seeking to obtain unauthorized access to systems or data, and to disrupt systems, are increasingly sophisticated and constantly evolving. Any failure or perceived failure by FREYR or its service providers to prevent information security breaches or other security incidents or system disruptions, or any compromise of security that results in or is perceived or reported to result in unauthorized access to, or loss, theft, alteration, release or transfer of, FREYR’s information, or any personal information, confidential information, or other data of FREYR or third parties, could result in loss or theft of proprietary or sensitive data and intellectual property, could harm FREYR’s reputation and competitive position and could expose FREYR to legal claims, regulatory investigations and proceedings, and fines, penalties, and other liability. Any such actual or perceived security breach, security incident or disruption could also divert the efforts of FREYR’s technical and management personnel and could require FREYR to incur significant costs and operational consequences in connection with investigating, remediating, eliminating and putting in place additional tools and devices designed to prevent actual or perceived security breaches and other incidents and system disruptions.

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 other processing of this data. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, or 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 regulatory landscape regarding privacy, data protection, and data security is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. FREYR expects to potentially be subject to new laws and regulations, or new interpretations of laws and regulations, in the future in various jurisdictions. 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 in the future, and it is possible that these laws, regulations, and other obligations may be inconsistent with one another or be interpreted or asserted to be inconsistent 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 business, prospects, results of operations, financial position and reputation.

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 customer’s markets are subject to substantial regulation under international, European and local laws, including anti-bribery, export control, environmental and sustainability laws (including the EU Taxonomy Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2020/852) and safety laws. FREYR expects to incur significant costs in complying with these regulations. In particular, regulations related to the battery, materials to produce such batteries such as lithium, EV and alternative energy industries are currently evolving and FREYR faces risks associated with new regulations, including the proposed EU Batteries Regulation, and changes to these 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 set-up and may prompt the need to apply for further permits, which would have an adverse effect on its 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, prospects, financial condition and operating results would be 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 negative and material impact on its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

As FREYR does not have a source of revenue because its initial battery factory is not yet under construction, 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, internal processes and procedures, such as code of conduct, environmental, social and corporate governance policy, relevant anti-corruption policies and similar policies have only recently been implemented. FREYR must ensure 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, as an early stage company, fails to comply with such internal processes and procedures, as well as statutory laws and regulations. Any failure to comply with such policies may adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects and financial condition.

FREYR is subject to governmental 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 approvals, and its failure to obtain required import or export approval for its products or limitations on its ability to export or sell its products imposed by these laws may harm its international and domestic sales and 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, prospects and results of operations.

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, all of which could adversely affect its business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.

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, or 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, 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 it business abroad. FREYR, its employees, agents, representatives, business partners, and its third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities and 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 will not take actions in violation of applicable law, for which FREYR may be ultimately held responsible. As FREYR increases its international sales and 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 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, severe 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 business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and reputation. 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 and environmental remediation matters which could adversely affect FREYR’s business, prospects, results of operation and reputation.

FREYR and its partners, suppliers and customers are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, energy storage system 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 such as but not limited to hazardous materials, machines with moving parts, and high voltage and/or high current electrical systems typical of large manufacturing equipment and related safety incidents. There may be safety incidents that damage machinery or product, 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, 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, prospects and results of operations. For example, a government’s adoption of trade sanctions or “buy national” policies or retaliation by another government against such policies could have a negative impact on FREYR’s 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 Norwegian or other Nordic suppliers, it may be necessary to develop relationships with suppliers in other regions. Any tariffs imposed on the import of components to Norway could lead to price fluctuations and periodic 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, prospects and results of operations.

From time to time, FREYR may be involved in legal proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes, which could have an adverse impact on FREYR’s profitability and consolidated financial position.

FREYR may be involved in legal proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes that, from time to time, are significant. These are typically claims that arise in the normal course of business including, without limitation, commercial or contractual disputes, including warranty claims and other disputes with potential customers and suppliers, intellectual property matters, personal injury claims, environmental issues, tax matters, and employment matters. For example, FREYR will be using 24M’s process technology and receiving services from 24M under an existing licensing agreement. Any disagreements or disputes with 24M that arise under the licensing agreement or otherwise may impede FREYR’s ability to maximize the benefits of this partnership and slow the development of FREYR’s battery plants.

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. Such claims may also negatively affect FREYR’s reputation.

Risks Relating to Ownership of FREYR Ordinary Shares

Concentration of ownership among FREYR’s existing executive officers, directors and their affiliates may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions.

Following the Business Combination, FREYR’s executive officers, directors and their affiliates as a group own approximately 25.46% of FREYR outstanding ordinary shares. As a result, these shareholders are able to exercise a significant level of control over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors, any 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 difficult or impossible without the support of these shareholders.

FREYR will qualify as an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company” and 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 will qualify as an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, and intends to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” or “smaller reporting companies,” including 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 its periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. FREYR may take advantage of exemptions applicable to “emerging growth companies” for so long as it is an “emerging growth company,” which is until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the market value of FREYR’s Ordinary Shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30 of that fiscal year, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which it has total annual gross revenue of $1.07 billion or more during such fiscal year (as indexed for inflation), (iii) the date on which it has issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in the prior three-year period or (iv) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of the Business Combination. FREYR may take advantage of exemptions applicable to “smaller reporting companies” for as long as it is a “smaller reporting company,” which is as long as either (1) the market value of FREYR Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million as of June 30 in the most recently completed fiscal year or (2) FREYR’s annual revenue is less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of FREYR Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million as of June 30 in the most recently completed fiscal year. 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.

As an “emerging growth company”, FREYR has elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under Section 102(b)(2) of the JOBS Act, that 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 does not expect to declare any dividends in the foreseeable future.

Given the capital-intensive nature of the proposed business of FREYR, FREYR does not 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 redeem the unexpired warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to warrant holders, thereby making their warrants worthless, and exercise of a significant number of the warrants could adversely affect the market price of FREYR Ordinary Shares.

FREYR will have the ability to redeem certain outstanding FREYR Warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant, provided that the last reported sales price of the FREYR Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which FREYR gives proper notice of such redemption and provided certain other conditions are met. If and when the warrants become redeemable by FREYR, 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. Redemption of the outstanding FREYR Warrants could force holders to: (i) exercise their FREYR Warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for them to do so, (ii) sell their FREYR Warrants at the then-current market price when they might otherwise wish to hold their FREYR Warrants or (iii) 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 FREYR Warrant holders exercise their FREYR 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 the FREYR Ordinary Shares.

None of the Private Placement Warrants that were issued concurrently with Alussa’s initial public offering or any FREYR Working Capital Warrants that may be outstanding, will be redeemable by FREYR so long as they are held by the Sponsor or its permitted transferees. Such redemption would also not apply to any FREYR Warrants issued in exchange for FREYR Legacy warrants.

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:

None.

FREYR is currently leasing the following properties:

FREYR does not own any properties.

To the knowledge of our management, there is no material litigation currently pending or contemplated against us, any of our officers or directors in their capacity as such or against any of our property.

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising in the ordinary course of our business. There are currently no material claims or actions pending or threatened against us.

None.

Part II

Holders of Ordinary Shares

Our Ordinary Shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) using the ticker symbol “FREY.” Our Ordinary Shares began trading on July 8, 2021; no cash dividends have been declared since that time, and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. As of February 22, 2022, there were 27 holders of record of our Ordinary Shares and three holders of records of our Warrants.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

2019 Plan

Employees of FREYR Legacy were offered to participate in FREYR Legacy’s 2019 Incentive Stock Option Plan. At the completion of the Business Combination, the FREYR Legacy options and FREYR Legacy warrants were exchanged for FREYR options and FREYR Warrants. A full copy of the 2019 Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.25 and is incorporated herein by reference. The 2019 Plan is also described below.

Employees who were offered to participate in the option plan received an offer letter that set out (i) the number options, and (ii) the grant schedule and vesting schedule. The strike price for the FREYR Legacy options was determined by the board in connection with each specific option grant. Otherwise the general terms of the 2019 Plan apply. The plan may be amended by the board from time to time. The employees have very limited protection from amendments that applied to future FREYR Legacy option grants. For FREYR Legacy options that have already been granted FREYR may only make amendments with respect to adjusting the permitted exercise windows.

Employees who participate in the plan received an offer letter that “allocates” a number of FREYR Legacy options to the employee. These options will be “granted” quarterly over a period of two years, i.e., so that 1/8 of the options allocated in the offer letter are granted at the beginning of each of the eight following calendar quarters. The granting schedule is also set out in the offer letters. Accordingly, the options that are allocated for future calendar quarters are not considered to be “granted” until the relevant grant dates have been reached. This has the effect that FREYR’s right to amend the terms of future options is intact until the actual “grant” date.

For new employees, options allocated for the first four quarters are not finally “granted” until the grant date of the fifth calendar quarter. Until the grant date of the fifth calendar quarter is reached, the options allocated for the first year are referred to as “earmarked” and not as “granted”. This means that employees in their first year of employment will not have any granted options, only “earmarked” options. If employees terminate their employment during their first year, options that have only been “earmarked” and not “granted” will fall away.

The options are issued (or “earmarked”) without consideration when they are offered. The exercise price for the options is set to reflect the market price for the shares at the relevant “grant” date of each calendar quarter.

The options that have been “granted” “vest” after three years, meaning that the options may only be exercised by the employee after the vesting date has been reached. This is practiced so that all options that are allocated in the same offer letter will vest on the same date, being the date falling three years after the first calendar quarter of the grant schedule set out in the offer letter.

When options are exercised by an employee, the employee can decide whether to receive shares against payment of the relevant exercise price or may opt for cash settlement of the difference between the exercise price and the trading price for the shares.

In connection with certain change of control transactions, all FREYR Legacy options will benefit from accelerated vesting. This means that the employee may exercise the options in connection with the relevant transaction. FREYR Legacy did not have a corresponding right to demand that the options are exercised, which means that the employee may instead choose to roll over the FREYR Legacy options. Accelerated vesting for “earmarked” FREYR Legacy options only apply to FREYR Legacy options where the “grant” date has passed, and not for options that would be “earmarked” on future “grant” dates. This means that if a new employee has participated in the plan for two calendar quarters, the accelerated vesting will apply only for FREYR Legacy options “earmarked” during the first two calendar quarters and not for FREYR Legacy options that would be “earmarked” during the two remaining calendar quarters of the first year of tenure. Employees who have not yet started in their positions for FREYR, and employees who have started but have not been employed during the “grant” date of any calendar quarter, do not have any granted FREYR Legacy options and will therefore not benefit from accelerated vesting.

In connection with the Business Combination, FREYR Legacy amended the 2019 Plan, to provide for (i) vesting of all FREYR Legacy options (whether “allocated”, “earmarked” or “granted”) of all employees who began their employment no later than December 1, 2020, (ii) the replacement of the various exercise prices applicable to each employee by one weighted average exercise price for all options held by that employee, (iii) adjustment of the exercise price to 99.3% of the originally applicable exercise price to reflect the value of the wind farm assets transferred to FREYR Legacy’s shareholders prior to the Business Combination, (iv) the replacement of the relevant NOK exercise price by a USD exercise price at a rate of 0.11848 USD per NOK, a rate agreed in the BCA, (v) exchange of the options for a number of FREYR options and exercise price corresponding to the exchange ratio in the Business Combination, such FREYR options to be subject to the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan of FREYR Battery (the “2021 Equity Incentive Plan”), except to the extent in conflict with the 2019 Plan, (vi) a twelve-month lock-up (extended to twenty-four months for those executives who report to the CEO, being Jan Arve Haugan, Steffen Føreid, Hege Marie Norheim, Are Brautaset, Ryuta Kawaguchi, Einar Kilde, Gery Bonduelle and Tove Nilsen Ljungqvist) on sales of shares issued on exercise of options and (vii) cash settlement of the value of the options in lieu of issuance of shares on exercise, to the extent exercised after the expiry of the lock-up period.

The Jensen Employment Agreement

On June 16, 2021, FREYR entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Jensen to serve as FREYR’s Chief Executive Officer. A full copy of the Jensen Employment Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.24 and is incorporated herein by reference. Mr. Jensen’s employment is for an initial term of two years starting on and from July 9, 2021 and Mr. Jensen will continue as an at-will employee after that two-year term.

It also provides for an annual base salary of NOK 6,000,000, participation in the group bonus scheme with a bonus potential of twelve months base salary and awards under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. In particular, the following was agreed with Mr. Jensen:

The Jensen Employment Agreement contains customary confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and intellectual property assignment provisions.

Reserved.

This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report, as well as Item 1. Business of this Annual Report, for an overview of our operations and business environment.

This “FREYR Battery’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis” of FREYR Battery’s results operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the historical audited annual consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related respective notes, which are included elsewhere in this Report. The financial information contained herein is taken or derived from such audited annual consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. FREYR Battery’s actual results could differ materially from those that are discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Report, particularly under “Risk Factors.” Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “FREYR” refer to FREYR Legacy prior to the closing of the Business Combination and to FREYR Battery following the closing of the Business Combination.

Overview

Our mission and vision are to accelerate the decarbonization of the transportation sector and energy systems by delivering some of the world’s cleanest and most cost-effective batteries. We aim to produce some of the most cost-competitive batteries with the lowest carbon footprints, which could further support the acceleration of the energy transition. Following the investment decision of the CQP, construction work is ongoing in Mo i Rana, Norway. The CQP production line will be based on our in-licensed technology from 24M. As of December 31, 2021, we have not derived revenue from our principal business activities. We will initially target ESS, marine applications, commercial vehicles and EVs with slower charge requirements, and then plan to target additional markets, including consumer EVs, through both the joint venture model and through the licensing model. We plan to produce faster charge battery cells for the broader consumer EV segment through the 24M platforms, as well as through the joint venture business model and potentially additional licensing partnerships.

Grants

Innovation Norway

On September 4, 2018, we were awarded a grant of approximately NOK 1.9 million for research, development and innovation by Innovation Norway, an instrument of the Norwegian government for supporting innovation and developing Norwegian enterprises and industries. The grant was awarded to assist with the costs incurred associated with employees and staff, contract research and overhead and operating expenses. The grant was paid out in three installments based on meeting certain milestones in the agreement, in which the last milestone was payable after the final project report was approved. As of December 31, 2020, all milestones for this grant had been achieved.

On March 5, 2020, we were awarded an additional grant of approximately NOK 7.0 million for research, development and innovation by Innovation Norway. Similar to the grant awarded in 2018, the 2020 grant was paid out in three installments based on meeting certain milestones in the agreement, in which the last payment milestone was payable after the final project report was approved. As of December 31, 2020, all milestones for this grant had been achieved.

On February 12, 2021, we were awarded a grant of NOK 39.0 million for research, development and innovation in the environmental technology category by Innovation Norway. This grant has been and will be paid during 2021 and 2022 and follows an evaluation process that started in the fall of 2020. The grant will be paid out in three installments based on meeting certain milestones in the agreement, in which the last payment milestone is payable after the final project report is approved. The grant is subject to certain conditions and will be earned only upon successful completion of these conditions. As of December 31, 2021, the first and second payment milestones had been met and NOK 11.7 million and NOK 19.5 million, respectively, were received. However, as conditions had only been met for income recognition for the second payment, the first payment of NOK 11.7 million ($1.3 million) has been recorded as deferred income. 

Nordland Fylkeskommune

On February 10, 2021, we were awarded a grant of NOK 2.5 million from the Regional Nordland Research Fund for research, development and innovation in battery cell technology. The grant was awarded to assist with the costs incurred associated with employees and staff, contract research and consultants, overhead and operating expenses and purchased research and development. The grant will be paid out over a period of two years. As of December 31, 2021, an upfront payment of NOK 0.5 million was received. However, as conditions had not been met for income recognition, NOK 0.5 million (less than $0.1 million) was recorded as deferred income.

ENOVA

On March 1, 2021, we were awarded a grant of NOK 142.0 million from the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment through ENOVA as part of the financing for the development and construction of the CQP in Mo i Rana, Norway. ENOVA is an enterprise owned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. This grant will be paid as reimbursements of 25% of the costs incurred for the CQP from December 1, 2020 to December 1, 2024, in response to requests made by us for such reimbursement, which must be made a minimum of twice per year. We can begin to make requests for reimbursements when we can document that financing for such CQP has been secured, meaning that requests can be made following the closing of the Business Combination. ENOVA will withhold 20% of the grant until the CQP is completed, which in accordance with the terms of the grant must happen before December 1, 2024. The grant is subject to certain conditions and will be earned only upon successful completion of these conditions. As of December 31, 2021, we had not yet satisfied the requirements and thus have not reduced the carrying amount of the pilot plant by any grant amount.

Business Combination and Public Company Costs

On July 9, 2021, the Business Combination described under Note 3 – Business Combination was consummated. The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Alussa was treated as the acquired company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the transactions were treated as the equivalent of our issuing ordinary shares for the net assets of Alussa, accompanied by a recapitalization.

Following the consummation of the Business Combination, our ordinary shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As a listed company, the Company has and will continue to be required to hire additional personnel and implement procedures and processes to address public company regulatory requirements and customary practices. We expect to incur additional annual expenses as a public company for, among other things, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, directors’ fees, internal control over financial reporting compliance, and additional internal and external accounting, legal and administrative resources, including increased audit and legal fees.

Key Factors Affecting Operating Results

We believe our performance and future success depends on several factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below and in the section of this Report titled “Risk Factors.”

Licensing Strategy

Our licensing business model is based on technology licensed from 24M, which has been commercialized only to a limited extent and may not perform as expected. Our business plans are dependent on the technology from 24M performing as expected. If the cost, performance characteristics, simplified manufacturing process or other specifications of the technology licensed from 24M fall short of our targets, our ability to achieve projected sales, time to market, competitive advantage, product pricing and margins would likely be adversely affected.

Facility Development Plan

For us to be successful in growing the business, we will need to develop production capacity and increase it. We expect to assemble and produce our battery cells in Mo i Rana, Norway, with production at the CQP to begin in 2022, at the earliest. We have made the final investment decision to proceed with the construction of our CQP, which will be used to provide samples to enable early customer engagement and to test new material suppliers and solutions over time. The planned construction period for the CQP is estimated at 12 months from the final investment decision. We do not currently have any production capacity and have not made a final investment decision or begun any construction activities for our Gigafactories. The planned construction period for each of our Gigafactories is estimated at 24 months. If we build our first Fast-Track Gigafactories as planned, we expect it will be Norway’s first lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility at such an industrial scale.

Our facility development plan assumes lithium-nickel-manganese-oxide (“NMC”) battery chemistry is used through 2025 and a combination of NMC and lithium-iron-phosphate (“LFP”) battery chemistry-based products are used in combination thereafter. Recent and ongoing discussions with potential customers may result in a larger volume of LFP-based batteries being put into production earlier, potentially already in the first Gigafactories. A stronger and earlier shift from NMC to LFP chemistry could, in isolation, reduce actual output, due to LFP-based products having a lower energy density (as measured by Wh/kg per KWh) for otherwise comparable product configurations compared to NMC-based products. A major part of the increased demand for LFP-based products in the market is driven in part by the lower metal costs for LFP-based products relative to NMC-based products (as measured by USD/kg per KWh). While we are still evaluating whether the initial timing regarding LFP use should be accelerated, we believe it is possible that the reduction in output could be offset by higher LFP volumes.

Costs for the construction of our CQP will be significantly higher than those originally forecasted. As part of making the final investment decision for the CQP, we considered potential customer feedback and the value of future flexibility, including flexibility related to NMC and LFP manufacturing, size of electrodes, and increased automation, which led to our decision to acquire certain upgraded equipment and implement a more complex equipment installation design. On July 23, 2021, we entered into a contract with Mpac for the supply of critical production line machinery in our CQP, the casting and unit cell assembly. Another factor in increased construction costs is the inflationary pressure on prices of equipment and building materials experienced in the first half of 2021 and continuing today. We have also received preliminary input on plans relating to Gigafactory 1, which reflects similar trends in costs.

Our ability to plan, construct and equip manufacturing facilities, including our CQP and our Gigafactories, is subject to significant risks and uncertainties. As further described below, on July 19, 2021, we entered into two lease agreements with Mo Industripark with respect to the area to be used for the CQP. Pursuant to an earlier letter of intent, we also have an exclusive right to lease and develop a second area and the first right of refusal for a third area, which expires June 30, 2022. We have also obtained a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the City of Vaasa, Finland, which provides us with the exclusive right, until July 22, 2022, to a 90-hectare site for a potential Gigafactory. Mo Industripark AS has certain permits related to our status as a regulated industrial zone and we have the consents, agreements, permits and licenses needed for our planned construction activities with respect to the CQP; however, we do not have all consents, agreements, permits or licenses needed for the operation of the CQP or our planned construction and operation activities for the Gigafactories. In addition, the failure to reach a sufficient amount of customer offtake agreements in a timely manner will delay or possibly prohibit the initiation of the construction of any Gigafactories. Failure to obtain, delay in obtaining or the loss of necessary consents, commercial agreements, permits and licenses could result in delay or termination of development activities.

Market and Competition

We expect competition in battery technology and EVs to intensify due to a regulatory push for EVs, increased decarbonization of energy systems (requiring additional storage/battery capacity), continuing globalization and potential consolidation in the worldwide automotive and energy industry. Developments in alternative technologies or improvements in battery technology made by competitors may materially adversely affect the sales, pricing and gross margins of our battery cells. If a competing process or technology is developed that has superior operational or price performance, our business could be harmed. In addition, battery cells may be or become subject to tariffs and/or technical barriers to trade, which we may not be able to overcome by sourcing and supply arrangements, and which therefore could harm our business. On the other hand, the increased demand for batteries from various customer segments that is being observed may result in accelerated and higher volumes, higher prices and better margins. Our ongoing customer acquisition dialogues indicate the potential for higher prices than previously estimated, but further negotiations are ongoing and no firm offtake agreements have yet been entered into.

Impact of COVID-19

In December 2019, COVID-19 was first reported to the World Health Organization (“WHO”), and in January 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak to be a public health emergency. In March 2020, the WHO characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. The impact of COVID-19, including changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears and market downturns, and restrictions on business and individual activities, has created significant volatility in the global economy and led to reduced economic activity.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we modified our business practices (including employee travel, recommending that personnel work from home and cancellation or reduction of physical participation in sales activities, meetings, events and conferences), applied additional safety protocols for essential workers, and implemented cost cutting measures in order to reduce operating costs. Management continues to monitor public health and regulatory developments and may take further actions as may be required by government authorities or that it determines are in the best interests of its employees, customers, suppliers, vendors and business partners. While the ultimate duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic depends on future developments that cannot be accurately predicted, such as the extent and effectiveness of containment actions, it has already had an adverse effect on the global economy and the ultimate societal and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown. In particular, the conditions caused by this pandemic are likely to affect the rate of consumer and business spending and could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition during current and future periods.

Supplier Agreement with Glencore

On November 15, 2021, we entered into a contract with Glencore for the supply of up to 1,500 metric tons of high grade, sustainably sourced cobalt metal cut cathodes made from at least 50% recycled cobalt produced at Glencore’s Nikkelverk facility in Norway. The supply contract follows the Letter of Intent between us and Glencore announced on February 9, 2021. Cobalt is a core component in our lithium-ion battery cells. We and Glencore plan on collaborating closely to minimize our carbon footprint and define actions and milestones to meet the common ambition of developing carbon neutral material, including the potential use of carbon offsets schemes. We will also collaborate to develop a scheme to introduce recycling certificates to document the delivery of recycled material as well as on the collection and processing of battery scrap generated during the production of battery material and cells.

We and Glencore will also explore potential collaboration for battery material and battery scrap recycling and work together to assure responsible sourcing and recycling through third-party audits. We expect that future collaborations with Glencore will have an impact on our financial performance (and in particular our operating expenses).

Joint Venture with KSP

On October 8, 2021, FREYR formed a joint venture with KSP with a 50%/50% ownership structure to advance the development of clean battery cell manufacturing in the United States, which we expect will accelerate our business operations, production and geographic expansion outside of Norway. The joint venture has secured a license from 24M to deploy 24M’s SemiSolid^TM platform technology. In conjunction, KSP and FREYR have invested $70 million in convertible promissory notes with 24M, under which KSP and FREYR invested $50 million and $20 million, respectively. Such notes are expected to have a material impact on our balance sheet as a convertible note.

Components of Results of Operations

Operating Expenses

General and administrative

General and administrative expense consists of personnel and personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation of our executives and employees, fees paid for contractors and consultants assisting with growing the business and developing the battery factories, office space related costs, travel costs, public relations costs, as well as legal and accounting fees for professional and contract services. We expect general and administrative expenses to increase for the foreseeable future as we scale headcount with the growth of our business, and as a result of operating as a public company, including compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, additional legal, audit, and insurance expenses, investor relations activities, and other administrative and professional services.

R&D

R&D expense consists primarily of compensation to employees engaged in research and development activities, including share-based compensation, internal and external engineering, supplies and services, and contributions to research institutions. R&D expense also includes the development costs related to the 24M License.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense relates to the depreciation of our property and equipment and is calculated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the related assets.

Equity in losses from investee

Equity in losses from investee consists of our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income from FREYR Battery KSP JV LLC, which is accounted for under the equity method, as we exercise significant influence but not control, over its operating and financial policies.

Other income (expense)

Other income (expense) primarily consists of the fair value adjustments on our redeemable preferred shares, convertible notes, and warrant liability, the gain on settlement from our warrant liability, interest income and expense, net foreign currency transaction gains and grant proceeds received.  

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

The results of operations presented below should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Report. The following table sets forth FREYR Battery’s consolidated results of operations data for the periods presented (in thousands, except percentages):

Operating expenses

General and administrative

General and administrative expenses increased by $54.6 million or 775%, to $61.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. General and administrative expenses increased primarily due to an increase of compensation costs of $28.3 million resulting from a higher headcount and share-based compensation costs. Furthermore, there was an increase of $26.3 million related to growth in general corporate expenses, professional services, and travel.

Research and development (“R&D”)

R&D expenses increased by $11.9 million or 641%, to $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. R&D expenses increased primarily due to an increase in costs incurred in accordance with the 24M license of $5.2 million, an increase in compensation costs of $4.2 million resulting from a higher headcount and share-based compensation costs and an increase in other technology and professional fees of $0.7 million.

Depreciation

Depreciation was de minimis for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Equity in losses from investee

Equity in losses from investee increased by $62 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. There was no equity in losses from investee for the year ended December 31, 2020. Losses were recognized in equity in losses from investee because of the establishment of FREYR Battery KSP JV, LLC and incurrence of initial costs for the setup of the entity.

Other income (expense)

Other income (expense) increased by $17.0 million or 2,502%, to $17.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Other income (expense) increased primarily due to the increase in the warrant liability fair value adjustment of $20.2 million offset by the increase in foreign currency transaction net gains of $1.3 million and other income of $1.6 million, which predominantly consists of the grant proceeds received during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2021 we had approximately $565.6 million of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and current liabilities of approximately $25.8 million. To date, our principal sources of liquidity have been proceeds received from the Business Combination, issuance of debt and equity securities and amounts received from government grants. These funds will be used for our battery projects, technology licensing and research and development efforts, including the CQP, and general corporate purposes. Additionally, we expect that the various government grants we have received but not earned to date will also help fund our operational needs and general corporate purposes and cover certain operating expenses.

Our capital requirements depend on many factors, including capital expenditures required to support the development of the battery factories, the timing and extent of spending to support technology licensing and research and development efforts and market adoption of our future products. Until we can generate sufficient revenue to cover operating expenses, working capital and capital expenditures, we expect to fund cash needs through a combination of equity and debt financing. If we raise funds by issuing 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 our ordinary shares. 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 borrowings could impose significant restrictions on our operations. 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.

While we will need to raise additional capital in the future, if adequate funds are not available, we will need to curb our expansion plans or limit our research and development activities, which would have a material adverse impact on our business prospects and results of operations.

We currently lease our corporate offices and certain properties for our planned production facilities. On July 19, 2021, we entered into two lease agreements with Mo Industripark with respect to (i) the area to be used for the CQP and (ii) an adjacent area for about 5,000 m. Both leases expire on August 11, 2031 and may be extended twice in five-year increments.

We believe that we have the ability to meet all of our contractual obligations and commitments for at least the next 12 months.

Cash Flow Summary

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented (in thousands):

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $63.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, while net cash used in operating activities was $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the primary factor affecting our operating cash flows was our operating expenses of $75.6 million driven by payroll and other related costs, fees to EDGE Global LLC, accounting and legal fees, research and development, and other operating expenses. Additionally, this included our cash prepayment to 24M for services to be performed through December 31, 2023. These operating expenses and prepayment were partially offset primarily by the non-cash share-based compensation of $14.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the primary factor affecting our operating cash flows was our operating expenses of $8.9 million driven by payroll and other related costs, fees to EDGE Global, accounting and legal fees, research and development, and other operating expenses. These operating expenses were partially offset by the impact of the increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $1.6 million due to the timing of payment.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $33.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, while net cash used in investing activities was less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our investing cash flows primarily reflect the investment in a convertible note of $20 million as well as the purchases of property and equipment of $13.8 million, while for the year ended December 31, 2020, our investing cash flow reflect the purchase of equipment of $0.1 million.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $649.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, while net cash provided by financing activities was $20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our financing cash flows primarily relate to net proceeds of $641.5 million from the Business Combination and $7.5 million from the issuance of redeemable preferred shares. For the year ended December 31, 2020, our financing cash flows primarily relate to net proceeds of $11.6 million from capital contributions of ordinary shareholders, proceeds of $1.5 million from the issuance of convertible debt and proceeds of $7.5 million from the issuance of redeemable preferred shares, offset by payments of $0.1 million related to the settlement of the convertible debt.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Since the date of our incorporation, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that can significantly impact the amounts we report as assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the related disclosures. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results could differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report. We believe that the accounting policies discussed below are critical to understanding our historical and future performance as these policies involved a greater degree of judgment and complexity.

Share-Based Compensation

The share-based compensation expense for equity-classified awards is typically determined based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. However, liability-classified awards are subsequently remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until settlement. The fair value of share-based compensation awards is derived from the use of valuation models which are commonly used. These valuation models use inputs that require estimates that are reflective of future expectations including the forward expected risk-free interest rate, volatility of our shares, and the expected exercise behavior of employees. We employed a lattice option pricing model for certain of the 2021 LTIP options granted with a strike price above the grant date price and the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model for all other stock options granted. Significant judgment must be employed to derive reasonable estimates in determining the fair value of share-based compensation awards.

Warrant Liability

Prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, we measured our warrant liability at fair value based on significant inputs not observable in the market, which caused it to be classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. We used a scenario-based framework that considered varying levels of tranches of investments and the related equity valuation. We assessed the assumptions and estimates used in the analysis on an ongoing basis as additional data impacting the assumptions and estimates was obtained. Once available, the over-the-counter trading price was used to measure the warrant liability, which caused it to be transferred from a Level 3 measurement to a Level 2 measurement. All subsequent changes in the fair value of the warrant liability related to updated assumptions and estimates were recognized as a warrant liability fair value adjustment within the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

Subsequent to the consummation of the Business Combination, with the acquisition of the Private Warrants, we measure our warrant liability at fair value based on significant inputs not observable in the market, which causes it to be classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value the Private Warrants, which includes subjective assumptions relating to the risk-free interest rate, expected term, and expected volatility. All subsequent changes in the fair value of the warrant liability related to updated assumptions and estimates are recognized as a warrant liability fair value adjustment within the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

Convertible Note

We have elected to account for our Convertible Note per the fair value option under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 825, Financial Instruments, with changes in fair value recognized as a convertible note fair value adjustment and interest earned recognized as interest income within the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

We estimate the fair value of the convertible note based on significant inputs not observable in the market, which causes it to be classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. We used a scenario-based framework that uses various scenarios that were weighted based on the likelihood of occurrence. The scenario-based framework utilizes significant assumptions and judgments about the expected payoffs upon the event, the discount rate and the expected timing and then the expected probability of each scenario.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for information concerning new accounting standards and the impact of the implementation of these standards on our financial statements.

Emerging Growth Company Status

Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies, but any such election to opt out is irrevocable.

We qualify as an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act, and therefore intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various public company reporting requirements, including delaying adoption of new or revised accounting standards until those standards apply to private companies. This may make a comparison of our consolidated financial statements with another public company that is either not an emerging growth company or is an emerging growth company that has opted out of using the extended transition period, difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

FREYR is exposed to market risks arising from adverse changes in inflation and changing prices. This market risk is described further below. In addition, refer to Item 1A of Part I in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion of these and other risks, including the potential risks associated with the supply chain and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inflation Risk

Increases in raw material prices, including those from inflationary pressures or from supply chain constraints may adversely impact FREYR’s costs and results of operations. Rising raw material costs, including steel and aluminum raw material inflation in fiscal year 2021, may result in significant increases in costs from our suppliers and increased lead-times associated with our raw materials, particularly since we have not established fixed prices and volumes with a majority of our prospective suppliers.

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information otherwise required under this item.

FREYR BATTERY 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of FREYR Battery

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FREYR Battery and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, of shareholders’ equity (deficit) and of cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers AS

Oslo, Norway

March 9, 2022

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.

Our financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the reports thereon of the independent registered public accounting firms are included in this Annual Report.

Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements.

FREYR BATTERY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

FREYR BATTERY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In Thousands, Except Share and per Share Amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

FREYR BATTERY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 FREYR BATTERY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

1. Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of the Business

FREYR is a battery manufacturing company. We are in the initial design and testing phase related to our battery production and have yet to bring a completed product to market.

Business Combination

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement (the “BCA”) entered into to effect a merger between Alussa Energy Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Alussa”) and FREYR AS, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of Norway (“FREYR Legacy”) (the “Business Combination”), FREYR, a Luxembourg public limited liability company was formed to complete the Business Combination and related transactions and carry on the business of FREYR Legacy. FREYR serves as the successor entity to FREYR Legacy, the predecessor entity.

On July 9, 2021, FREYR consummated the Business Combination with FREYR Legacy and Alussa pursuant to the terms of the BCA dated January 29, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the BCA, among other things, FREYR Legacy’s wind farm business was transferred to Sjonfjellet Vindpark Holding AS (“SVPH”), resulting in SVPH shares being held by FREYR Legacy’s shareholders. In connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the BCA, FREYR Legacy and Alussa became wholly owned subsidiaries of FREYR. Following the First Closing on July 7, 2021, FREYR’s ordinary shares and warrants began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Alussa was treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. This determination was primarily based on the following factors: (i) FREYR Legacy’s existing operations comprise the ongoing operations of the combined company, (ii) FREYR Legacy’s senior management comprises the senior management of the combined company and (iii) no shareholder has control of the board of directors or a majority voting interest in the combined company. In accordance with guidance applicable to these circumstances, the Business Combination was treated as the equivalent of 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.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations, guidance applicable to these circumstances, the equity structure has been restated in all comparative periods up to the closing date, to reflect the number of shares of FREYR’s ordinary shares issued to FREYR Legacy’s shareholders in connection with the recapitalization transaction. As such, the shares and corresponding capital amounts and earnings per share related to FREYR Legacy’s ordinary shares prior to the Business Combination have been retroactively restated as shares reflecting the exchange ratio established in the Business Combination.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FREYR and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period balances and amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes.

Risks and Uncertainties

We are subject to those risks common in the renewable energy and manufacturing industries and also those risks common to early stage development companies, including, but not limited to, the possibility of not being able to successfully develop or market our products, the ability to obtain or maintain licenses and permits to support future business, competition, dependence on key personnel and key external alliances, loss of our grant contributor, the ability to maintain and establish relationships with current and future vendors and suppliers, the successful protection of our proprietary technologies, the possibility of the factory development being disrupted, compliance with government regulations, and the possibility of not being able to obtain additional financing when needed.

These financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with U.S. GAAP and this basis assumes that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.

As of the date of this report, our existing cash resources, which were provided as a result of the business combination, are sufficient to support planned operations for the next 12 months. As a result, management believes that our existing financial resources are sufficient to continue operating activities for at least one year past the issuance date of the financial statements.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those critical accounting estimates related to the valuation of share-based compensation, our valuation of warrant liability and our valuation of the convertible note. We base these estimates on historical experiences and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit with banks and highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase.

Restricted Cash 

Restricted cash consists of funds held in a restricted account for payment of upfront rental lease deposits and income tax withholdings to the Norwegian government, payable every other month.

Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value Option

We define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, which are required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as risks inherent in valuation techniques, transfer restrictions and credit risk. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 - Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Under the fair value option under US GAAP, the Company has the irrevocable option to report most financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with changes in fair value reported in earnings. Any changes in the fair value of liabilities resulting from changes in the instrument-specific credit risk would be reported in other comprehensive income.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset or the remaining lease term, whichever is shorter.

The useful lives of our property and equipment are determined by management when those assets are initially recognized and are routinely reviewed for the remaining estimated useful lives. Our current estimate of useful lives represents the best estimate of the useful lives based on current facts and circumstances but may differ from the actual useful lives due to changes in future circumstances such as changes to our business operations, changes in the planned use of assets, and technological advancements. When we change the estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining carrying amount of the asset is accounted for prospectively and depreciated or amortized over the revised estimated useful life. Historically, changes in useful lives have not resulted in material changes to our depreciation and amortization expense.

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

Assets held within construction in progress are not depreciated. Construction in progress is related to the construction or development of property and equipment that have not yet been placed in service.

Leases

We account for leases under ASC 840, Leases. Under this guidance, lessees classify arrangements meeting the definition of a lease as either operating or capital leases. Leases are classified as capital leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are recorded as operating leases. As of December 31, 2021, all of our leases were operating leases. We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Grants

For the grants related to the CQP, we reduce the carrying amount of the CQP as the grants are received and the conditions for receiving the grants have been fulfilled. We recognize other grants received as other income over the periods in which the related costs are incurred and the conditions for receiving the grants have been fulfilled.