RIPLEnergy Company Limited (“RIPLE”) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GIB EnergyX Slovakia s.r.o. (“GIB”) to co-develop a state-of-the-art Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Assembly Plant in Nigeria.
This initiative is poised to provide locally assembled BESS to support RIPLE’s renewable energy investments, ensuring a 24/7 electricity supply for commercial and industrial demands.
This groundbreaking collaboration has the potential to revolutionise Nigeria’s energy sector, fostering economic growth through sustainable energy practices and advanced technology.
By leveraging GIB’s advanced technology and RIPLE’s local expertise, the project aims to catalyse the development of a local BESS ecosystem. This will facilitate the widespread deployment of renewable energy technologies and expand access to sustainable energy.
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The plant also aims to export to other regional markets, positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the renewable energy supply chain and providing a vital source of foreign exchange.
Addressing Nigeria’s Energy Deficit
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan emphasises expanding the nation’s generation capacity and increasing renewable-backed electrification to facilitate decarbonisation across various sectors.
The growing demand for renewable energy solutions and complementary battery storage systems as efficient alternatives to the country’s energy deficit underscores the importance of this initiative.
Currently, this demand is largely met through imports from Europe and China.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Local Value Chain Development
RIPLE and GIB are committed to establishing an end-to-end battery value chain in Nigeria, from assembly to full-scale manufacturing and recycling. This holistic, closed-loop approach ensures sustainability throughout the battery lifecycle, from mining to recycling, minimising environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency.
Yusuf Umar, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of RIPLE, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “At RIPLE, we are excited to partner with GIB on this initiative, which is a major leap forward in our commitments to sustainable energy. Our goal is to help build Nigeria’s industrial base, commencing with this comprehensive battery manufacturing.
“We are committed to ensuring that our operations are efficient and sustainable. We believe this partnership will be pivotal in advancing Nigeria’s clean energy infrastructure and fostering long-term environmental stewardship.”
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Steven Cai, Chairman of GIB EnergyX and Director of Gotion HighTech Co., shared similar sentiments: “Nigeria is an exciting and fast-growing market hungry for electricity. RIPLE’s strategy is key in meeting Nigeria’s increasing energy demand and overcoming the inadequacy of traditional energy networks through firm renewable energy solutions, complemented by energy storage.
“GIB will partner with RIPLE in the quest for the localisation of BESS assembly in Nigeria. Gotion, the majority owner of GIB, holds a top-tier competitive position in BESS and EV battery technology.
“We are excited to explore this co-development with RIPLE to create a local assembly value chain, delivering a range of BESS with our LFP technology. This should significantly benefit Nigeria’s economic growth and energy transition journey towards net zero through access to 24/7 renewable electricity.”
About the Partners
RIPLE
Launched in November 2023 by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), RIPLE is a US$500 million vertically-integrated renewable energy investment platform. RIPLE aims to drive the development, financing, and operation of projects across the renewable energy value chain, from upstream renewable technology manufacturing to energy generation and downstream distribution, through sub-franchising in partnership with distribution companies.
GIB
GIB (Gotion-InoBat-Batteries) is a joint venture between Gotion High Tech and InoBat based in Slovakia, launched at COP 28 in Dubai on December 5, 2023. GIB focuses on the EMEA regions, offering localisation platforms to suitable partners to create eco-hubs and battery value chains to meet the demand for e-mobility and green energy from stationary BESS.
Gotion High-Tech Co.
Established in 2006, Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd., headquartered in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, is a pioneering enterprise in the independent development and manufacture of new energy batteries. Gotion focuses on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) materials and cells, ternary materials and cells, power battery packs, battery management systems, and energy storage battery packs. Gotion EMEA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech, is incorporated in Slovakia.
InoBat
Founded in 2019, InoBat is a European battery company based in Slovakia, focusing on R&D and manufacturing to deliver high-performance, customised batteries.
InoBat’s R&D benefits from its coveted IPCEI award (Important Projects of Common European Interest). InoBat’s sector focus includes aviation, high-performance vehicles, off-highway specialist batteries, and transportation.
InoBat has projects under development in EMEA countries with its strategic partner, Gotion High Tech, via its GIB JV. InoBat’s investors include IPM Group, Gotion High Tech, Rio Tinto, Amara Raja, Lilium, Slovak Investment Holdings, and Across Private Investments.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s renewable energy journey, aligning with global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions and promoting sustainable development.
