Africa Energy Storage Lithium Battery Factory

Can South Africa make Li-ion batteries locally?

One company plans to take South Africa’s battery manufacturing a step further by manufacturing the Li-ion cells locally. The Megamillion Energy Company outlined its plans at the Batteries and Electric Vehicles Conference recently hosted by the uYilo eMobility Programme.

Who makes lithium ion batteries in Africa?

The Megamillion Energy Company will be Africa’s first large-scale producer of lithium ion batteries, making lithium ion batteries in Africa for Africa’s benefit first.”

How will the battery storage market grow in South Africa?

The battery storage market in South Africa is expected to grow significantly going forward as companies and homes look to cushion themselves from ongoing electricity blackouts. Eskom, the stated-owned utility company, has been battling to keep the lights on during peak demand hours.

Where do South Africa's battery cells come from?

South Africa has no battery cell manufacturing capability, so local assemblers must import this component from countries like China, which have established strong supply chains for critical cell minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese.

Will megamillion be Africa's first large-scale battery manufacturer?

The Megamillion Energy Company outlined its plans at the Batteries and Electric Vehicles Conference recently hosted by the uYilo eMobility Programme. Megamillion wants to be Africa’s first large-scale manufacturer of Li-ion cells and battery packs, in the hope of bringing down prices and thereby catalysing mass adoption of energy storage systems.

How many people work at South Africa's battery plant?

However, the facility is capable of manufacturing up to 3.5GWh capacity in a year, the most of any battery assembly plant in South Africa. There are roughly 340 employees at the plant working across its various operations — including cell welding, battery assembly, research and design, and troubleshooting and repairs.