12 startups announced in new Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge to EV retrofit nation’s vehicle fleet
September 18, 2024
Sydney, 18 September 2024 – The second annual Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge announces today a new cohort of 12 startups with solutions to rapidly convert half the Australian vehicle fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), equivalent to more than 10 million vehicles.
The Challenge aims to find solutions that can deploy up to 1.3TWh of batteries that would be required to reach this goal, starting with approximately 600GWh of heavy truck and bus batteries (plus up to 25GWh for mining), 400GWh for light trucks and commercial vehicles and 260GWh for passenger vehicles [1].
The startups selected for the cohort are:
Australian EVS, Newcastle, NSW: light commercial EV retrofits for councils and fleets.
Cuedo Controls, Melbourne, VIC: efficient EV software control systems for the entire retrofit market.
Eclass Outboards, Kiama, NSW: electric outboard and marine hybrid retrofits for pleasure craft and fishing fleets.
REVR, Melbourne, VIC: Minimised installation requirement mass EV retrofit kits.
“This is the first innovation challenge of its type in Australia to focus on mass EV retrofitting vehicles. With the incredible increase in battery demand this would generate, we aim to change the conversation on the viability of battery and cell manufacturing in Australia, taking advantage of our huge competitive advantage in the lithium battery supply chain,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager for Supercharge Australia.
“Not only would retrofitting half the Australian vehicle fleet to electric vehicles rapidly reduce emissions from transport, it would also support a big capacity uplift in our startup innovation ecosystem and clean energy advanced manufacturing,” said Megan Fisher, CEO of EnergyLab.
Participants in the inaugural Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge in 2023 raised over AU$48 million in funding subsequent to the first Challenge. Applicants this year will benefit from technical support, networking, mentoring, wide exposure and introductions to investors and customers in an industry roundtable to accelerate their success.
Delivered over two months with most sessions online, startups will receive advice from international and domestic experts in finance, IP and business growth, and pitching the opportunity to investors. This will culminate in the second Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge Awards event, in Sydney on November 7.
The winning startup will also have the opportunity to join an expert guided visit by Danny Kennedy, EnergyLab Director and Venture Partner at New Energy Nexus Ventures, to California’s startup ecosystem, centred in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“It’s a perfect time to showcase the world-beating ambition and technical know-how this team has to decarbonise half Australia’s vehicle fleet, all with Australian-made lithium batteries,” said Danny Kennedy.
The Challenge aims to rapidly decarbonise the transport sector and accelerate battery demand. In 2022 the transport sector contributed to 19% of Australia’s emissions, with trucks, buses and light commercial vehicles accounting for about 40% of the total transport figure. The potential CO2 savings are critically important; and vehicle acquisition cost savings of up to 50% per vehicle in comparison to new purchases have been identified in overseas markets.
Supercharge Australia is accelerating the lithium battery value chain in Australia, and is a joint project of not-for-profit cleantech startup support organisations New Energy Nexus globally and EnergyLab in Australia and New Zealand.
[1] Calculations apply expert-advised current and at-scale estimates of lithium battery, electric motor, software control systems, wages and ancillary design and other costs to the Australian vehicle fleet data from Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics. “Motor Vehicles, Australia, January 2022 (First Issue).”
About New Energy Nexus
New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.
NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com
About EnergyLab
EnergyLab is Australia’s largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network dedicated to reaching net zero emissions. EnergyLab connects talented founders to the mentors, advisors, partners, peers and investors they need to succeed and has so far supported over 195 startups and 140 aspiring founders through its various programs.
In addition to running 10 programs, EnergyLab operates a climate focused angel investor network with over 200 angel investors, a mentor network with over 400 experts, coworking and events space at UTS in Sydney all of these services are leveraged to support the clean energy and decarbonisation startup ecosystem in Australia.
New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.
NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com
Turning half of Australia’s vehicle fleet into EVs? Challenge accepted.
September 18, 2024
Clayton Franklin with the team at Electric Power Conversions Australia and their electrified Cat 777 100-tonne haul truck.
Supercharge Australia welcomes 12 startups who have accepted our second annual Innovation Challenge—Retrofit Nation!
Beginning in August, we sought startups with solutions to convert half of Australia’s vehicle fleet into electric vehicles (EVs), or 10 million vehicles. To achieve this, they will need to find ways to deploy up to 1.3TWh of batteries that would be required to reach this goal.
Applicants this year will benefit from technical support, networking, mentoring, wide exposure, and introductions to investors and customers in an industry roundtable to accelerate their success.
Delivered over two months with most sessions online, startups will receive advice from international and domestic experts in finance, IP, and business growth, and pitching the opportunity to investors. This will culminate in the second Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge Awards event, in Sydney on November 7. Participants in the inaugural Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge in 2023 raised over AU$48 million in funding after the first Challenge.
Participating startups join a virtual call with the team behind Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenger 2: Retrofit Nation.
“This is the first innovation challenge of its type in Australia to focus on mass EV retrofitting vehicles. With the incredible increase in battery demand this would generate, we aim to change the conversation on the viability of battery and cell manufacturing in Australia, taking advantage of our huge competitive advantage in the lithium battery supply chain,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager for Supercharge Australia.
“Not only would retrofitting half the Australian vehicle fleet to electric vehicles rapidly reduce emissions from transport, it would also support a big capacity uplift in our startup innovation ecosystem and clean energy advanced manufacturing,” said Megan Fisher, CEO of EnergyLab.
The Challenge aims to rapidly decarbonise Australia’s transport sector, which in 2022 contributed to 19% of Australia’s emissions; with trucks, buses, and light commercial vehicles accounting for about 40% of the total transport figure. The potential CO2 savings are critically important, and vehicle acquisition cost savings of up to 50% per vehicle in comparison to new purchases have been identified in overseas markets.
Get to know each participating startup’s business model and hear from their founders below (click dropdowns for full descriptions):
Australian EVS
Newcastle, NSW
Commercial EV retrofits
Their business: Light commercial EV retrofits for councils and fleets.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “To meet like-minded businesses who are focused on transitioning Australia to zero emission transport.” — Edwin Higginson, Founder
Cuedo Controls
Melbourne, VIC
EV software control systems
Their business: Efficient EV software control systems for the entire retrofit market.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “To see the best EV retrofit practitioners Australia has to offer.” — Kyle Van Berendonck, Founder
Eclass Outboards
Kiama, NSW
Electric outboard & marine hybrid retrofits
Their business: Electric outboard and marine hybrid retrofits for pleasure craft and fishing fleets.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “Connecting with battery suppliers, connecting with the retrofit community. Becoming investment ready.” — Lynelle Johnson, Founder
Electric Power Conversions Australia
Hazelmere, WA
EV retrofitting for trucks
Their business: EV retrofitting mining haul trucks from 100 tonnes and up
Why they’re joining the challenge: “Because it aligns perfectly with our mission to drive sustainable transformation in the mining industry… We’re looking forward to connecting with like-minded innovators, demonstrating the viability of our technology, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to create a greener, more efficient mining future for Australia and beyond.” — Clayton Franklin, Founder
Electromotiv
Canberra, ACT
EV retrofitting for buses
Their business: EV retrofitting buses for public transport and private fleets.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “This could be the beginning of an incredible decarbonisation journey!” — Adrian Salinas, Founder
Evans Electric
Sydney, NSW
EV powertrain hardware & software developer
Their business: EV powertrain hardware and software developer specialising in axial flux motor development including e-axles
Why they’re joining the challenge: “Excited by the opportunity to scale next-generation EV powertrains in Australia.” — Paul Evans, Founder
IonDNA
ACT and NSW
Electric ATVs, utility vehicles & farm tools
Their business: Power electric ATVs, utility vehicles, and farm tools from electricity generated via on-site solar power infrastructure.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “Retrofit Nation aims to build the Australian lithium battery value chain. To succeed, demand for lithium batteries must massively increase, supported by a domestic market that consumes battery electric technology at scale. Rural Australia represents a significant market for this technology (and a significant challenge).” — Michael Day, Founder
Jaunt
Melbourne, VIC
EV conversion systems
Their business: EV conversion systems for classic cars and specialist commercial vehicles.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “Australia has the design and engineering talent, the resources, and the culture to lead the world in electric vehicle conversions. Let’s make that happen.” — Dave Budge, Founder
Net Zero Engineering Solutions
Adelaide, SA
Bi-directional EV charging solution
Their business: Bi-directional EV charging solution.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “The chance to help supercharge V2X in Australia and the broader transition to EVs.” — Portia Rooney, Founder
OZ Electric Vehicles
Logan City, QLD
Battery upscaling & EV retrofit kits
Their business: Battery upscaling and “flat pack” EV retrofit kits.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “We can see what’s needed (to decarbonise Australia’s vehicle fleet) and want to make it happen.” — Graeme Manietta, Founder
Their business: Next-generation graphene anode technology, improving lithium-ion battery performance and safety.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “Excited about the opportunity to contribute further to the fast-growing and exceptional Australian ecosystem of startups around lithium battery technology!” — Laura Whelan, Founder
Their business: Minimised installation requirement mass EV retrofit kits.
Why they’re joining the challenge: “It will be exciting to pitch REVR to a new audience and to interact with other entrepreneurs and innovators!” — Craig and Alexander Burton
Supercharge Australia is accelerating the lithium battery value chain in Australia, and is a joint project of not-for-profit cleantech startup support organisations New Energy Nexus globally and EnergyLab in Australia and New Zealand.
About New Energy Nexus
New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.
NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com
About EnergyLab
EnergyLab is Australia’s largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network dedicated to reaching net zero emissions. EnergyLab connects talented founders to the mentors, advisors, partners, peers and investors they need to succeed and has so far supported over 195 startups and 140 aspiring founders through its various programs.
In addition to running 10 programs, EnergyLab operates a climate focused angel investor network with over 200 angel investors, a mentor network with over 400 experts, coworking and events space at UTS in Sydney all of these services are leveraged to support the clean energy and decarbonisation startup ecosystem in Australia.
New Energy Nexus to support LG Energy Solution’s Battery Challenge program for next-generation battery tech startups
June 4, 2024
June 4, 2024 – New Energy Nexus is supporting LG Energy Solution’s launch of its fourth Battery Challenge, a global startup competition to discover and support innovative early-stage startups to develop next-generation battery technologies.
The Battery Challenge is LG Energy Solution’s mainstay open innovation initiative. While helping the growth of the distinguished companies, LG Energy Solution also aims to pioneer next-generation technologies through partnerships.
As the manager and facilitator of this program, New Energy Nexus is supporting overall operation.
This year’s Battery Challenge is recruiting early-stage battery startups in: battery materials, battery management system, battery manufacturing and quality control, battery maintenance, battery recycling and reuse technology, smart factory solutions, and newly added metal sourcing, as well as ‘New to LG’. The new category called ‘New to LG’ has been established to encourage participants to explore various novel energy-related ideas, not necessarily linked to batteries.
The winners will be selected through comprehensive business plan evaluations, in-depth interviews, and technology verification, and will receive up to US$30,000, an increase of US$10,000 from the previous program. Awardees will also be reviewed by LG Energy Solution for potential investment.
New Energy Nexus is uniquely positioned in sectors and regions critical in the global battery supply chain. Our “Just Batteries” initiative aims to build an interconnected ecosystem to support a more inclusive and resilient battery sector. In the past ten years, we have operated seven programs across five countries or regions globally. We aim to build more equity into the battery supply chain – wealth, social benefits, jobs, among others – for all regions of the world that will benefit from this growing industry.
“At New Energy Nexus, we are dedicated to not only growing the EV industry but also accelerating the development of integrating cutting-edge battery solutions into the broader energy ecosystem. By collaborating with LG Energy Solution, we aim to drive global advancements in battery technology, support the adoption of EVs, and ensure a sustainable and resilient clean energy future.” said Andrew Chang of New Energy Nexus, who manages the global partnership with LG Energy Solution.
The Battery Challenge 2024 application window is from June 4 to June 30. For more information and to apply, please visit www.lgesbatterychallenge2024.com
New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.
NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com
Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge calls on startups to retrofit nation’s EVs
May 16, 2024
Sydney, 16 May 2024 – The second annual Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge, “Retrofit Nation”, is launching today in Sydney during Climate Action Week. The Challenge is calling on startups to rapidly convert half the Australian vehicle fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), which is over 10 million vehicles.
One of the immediately viable opportunities lies in retrofitting existing heavy vehicles with lithium batteries to support the move to an electric vehicle fleet. In 2022 the transport sector contributed to 19% of Australia’s emissions. Trucks, buses and light commercial vehicles account for about 40% of the total transport figure and the industry comprises a relatively small group of decision makers that can accelerate change.
A recent report fromBeyond Zero Emissions shows that battery technologies are emerging as one of the most promising sectors for Australia’s economic growth and decarbonisation efforts, potentially creating up to 20,000 jobs and AU$114 billion revenue by 2035.
The Challenge is open to startups, entrepreneurs, scientists and researchers are to develop and present solutions to questions such as:
What are the next-generation drivetrain solutions and battery technologies we can apply and how do we produce them at scale?
How do we invent and apply advanced manufacturing techniques?
What are the software solutions to integrate drivetrain upgrades with existing vehicle technology, to add advanced driver-assist technologies and to maximise their energy storage benefits (Vehicle-to-Grid)?
How do we most efficiently train and upskill the workforce required to complete the retrofits and adhere to safety compliance?
Startups receive prizes, support, networking and mentoring to accelerate their success.
“Transport is an obvious target for reform, particularly in Australia with our reliance on road freight and use of mining vehicles. We need to encourage the supply of more EV’s sooner into the Australian and global markets. Putting electric motors and batteries into existing vehicles at scale and massively increasing Australian battery demand is a sure-fire and fast-track way of getting it done,” said Danny Kennedy, CEO New Energy Nexus.
“The mass EV retrofit opportunity can help to upskill the Australian workforce including electricians, mechanics, software developers with critical skills in advanced manufacturing, batteries and EV’s – essential for our economy in the future. The Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge will unleash innovation from the startup community and capture ideas that show how we can make this mass EV retrofit opportunity a reality,” said Megan Fisher, CEO EnergyLab.
“Australia produces half of the world’s lithium yet retains less than 1% of the value it produces. We can’t just keep sending our lithium offshore where others capture its value. It’s time we change this, together,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager Supercharge Australia.
“We’d need AU$181 billion worth of batteries to retrofit half the Australian vehicle fleet, or 20x our current near term forecast demand to 2030. This quantity would de-risk and incentivise lithium battery and cell production in Australia, in the best case using our world-class renewable energy resources.
“So, in support of the Prime Minister’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiative, there’s even broader advanced battery manufacturing ecosystem advantages as reasons to proceed and we look forward to seeing the innovative solutions that we know Australian startups are so good at.”
Participants in the inaugural Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge raised over AU$40 million in funding subsequent to the first challenge. The second Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge will uncover more opportunities for rapid support and growth for Australian solutions.
New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.
NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com
Una nueva investigación revela los pasos que debe tomar California para captar más empleos del auge de las baterías de litio
March 26, 2024
Oakland, 26 de marzo de 2024 – California está captando sólo el 2.4% de los empleos previstos en las operaciones planificadas en la cadena de suministro de baterías de litio de la nación, y la mayoría van a parar a estados que ocupan puestos bajos en términos de protección laboral, salud y seguridad de los trabajadores, y leyes salariales.
Las conclusiones publicadas hoy en un nuevo informe de New Energy Nexus, en colaboración con el Instituto para la Transformación Social de la Universidad de California en Santa Cruz, y socios del Centro Laboral de la Universidad de California en Berkeley, detallan cómo la propia iniciativa estatal del “Valle del Litio” en la región del mar Salton no aprovechará el creciente auge del litio, donde menos del 1% de los empleos están asociados con la extracción de litio. Se prevé que la inmensa mayoría de los más de 100.000 nuevos empleos serán en la fabricación de baterías y vehículos eléctricos (VE)..
El informe – “Generando prosperidad: Creando una cadena inclusiva de suministro de litio en la región del mar Salton de California” – analiza los datos de empleo en la cadena de suministro a través de una plataforma interactiva en línea, “Lithium Battery Supply Chains of North America,” (Cadenas de suministro de baterías de litio de Norteamérica), que por primera vez traza un mapa de los empleos en relación con los indicadores laborales, climáticos y de justicia económica. También recomienda cómo la región podría captar más empleos “de alto nivel” y beneficios comunitarios de la extracción de litio con un mayor enfoque político, inversiones públicas específicas y asociaciones sólidas entre la industria, los trabajadores, las comunidades y las tribus.
“Las decisiones que se tomen ahora determinarán si el auge de las baterías de litio será una carrera hacia la cima o una carrera hacia el fondo”, afirmó Rebecca Lee, coautora del informe y Directora General de New Energy Nexus California.
“California ha sido líder mundial en innovación de vehículos eléctricos y baterías, y para mantenerse a la vanguardia, necesita apoyar a las empresas que tomen la vía alta, y que se queden y fabriquen sus tecnologías en el estado. Esto podría ser un modelo global de prosperidad compartida, generando empleos que sustenten familias y beneficios para las comunidades locales, y al mismo tiempo descarbonizando la economía.”
La región del mar Salton en California es un rincón del estado en el que no se ha invertido lo suficiente, y donde una cuarta parte de la población total y la mitad de la población nativa americana de la región vive por debajo de los índices de pobreza. También alberga algunas de las mayores reservas de litio del mundo, lo que ha dado lugar al nombre de “Valle del Litio”.
La Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructuras y la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación crearon importantes incentivos financieros para la producción nacional de baterías de litio y vehículos eléctricos. Crear una cadena nacional de valor del litio – desde el procesamiento, la fabricación de baterías y el reciclaje- podría crear buenos empleos, nuevas oportunidades comerciales y beneficios significativos para las comunidades locales.
“Tenemos que asegurarnos de que los empleos en la extracción de litio en el condado de Imperial sean buenos empleos, pero un beneficio mayor para la región podría surgir de la ubicación conjunta de la fabricación de baterías y vehículos eléctricos”, afirmó Chris Benner, coautor del informe y profesor y director de la facultad del Instituto para la Transformación Social de la Universidad de California, Santa Cruz.
“Las empresas de baterías y vehículos eléctricos que se instalen aquí obtendrían beneficios en términos de reputación y de mercadotecnia por estar vinculadas a una de las fuentes de litio más limpias del planeta, así como un acceso cercano a un gran mercado de consumidores concienciados con el medio ambiente – la base de consumidores de vehículos eléctricos más grande del país.”
Conclusiones clave:
California es actualmente el núcleo de la industria nacional del vehículo eléctrico, con aproximadamente el 19% de los empleos existentes en toda la cadena de suministro de litio y vehículos eléctricos, es con diferencia el mayor porcentaje de todos los estados.
California, Arizona y Nevada representan casi un tercio (31%) de los empleos en toda la cadena de valor de las baterías de litio y los vehículos eléctricos, pero solo el 10% de las nuevas inversiones previstas. (1).
Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama y Georgia representan en la actualidad aproximadamente el 16% del empleo total existente a lo largo de la cadena de valor, pero representan casi el 34% de los empleos previstos en nuevas instalaciones. Estos estados ocupan los últimos puestos en cuanto a protección laboral, salud y seguridad y salarios de los trabajadores..
De los más de 150.000 empleos existentes en la cadena de valor del litio en EE.UU., el 43% corresponde a la fabricación de VE, el 26% a la fabricación de los componentes, baterías y paquetes de pilas, y solo el 6% de los empleos corresponde a la minería o a la extracción de minerales críticos.
En la región del mar Salton, el número de empleos directos derivados de la extracción directa de litio será relativamente modesto: unos pocos cientos de empleos al principio, que aumentarán a unos 2.000 empleos en curso cuando se proyecte su pleno desarrollo dentro de muchos años.
La gran mayoría de los empleos relacionados con el litio de la región del mar Salton se crearán a lo largo de la cadena de valor: unos 1.600 empleos en la fabricación de cátodos, 20.000 empleos en la fabricación de pilas y baterías, y más de 100.000 empleos en la fabricación de vehículos eléctricos (2). Actualmente no existen acuerdos para traer estos empleos a la región del mar Salton, y mucho menos para garantizar que estos empleos sean de alta calidad o se destinen a residentes locales (3).
Noemí O. Gallardo, Comisionada de la Comisión de Energía de California: “La visión del Valle del Litio tiene el potencial de proporcionar una tremenda oportunidad económica que eleve simultáneamente a la industria, los trabajadores y los residentes. Basándose en los esfuerzos estatales existentes, las recomendaciones descritas en este informe pueden ayudar a hacer realidad esta posibilidad e impulsar la región del mar Salton.”
Brigette Browning, Secretaria General Ejecutiva del Consejo Laboral de los Condados de San Diego e Imperial: “Este informe muestra que California debe consolidar urgentemente su liderazgo en energías limpias y asegurarse de captar y conservar empleos que sustenten familias en el auge de las baterías de litio. Tanto en la fase de construcción de los proyectos como en las operaciones y el mantenimiento en curso, el sector debe apoyar buenos empleos sindicales y vías profesionales en los nuevos empleos de las industrias verdes, especialmente para los residentes locales.”
Sanjiv Malhotra, fundador y director ejecutivo de Sparkz: “Hemos visto un verdadero valor en adoptar el enfoque de “alto nivel” en el Valle del Litio, enfocándonos en la innovación, invirtiendo en nuestra fuerza laboral y generando buenos empleos. Estamos orgullosos de asociarnos con el sindicato United Auto Workers para asegurar al trabajador estadounidense un lugar en la nueva economía de la energía, y al mismo tiempo desarrollar la cadena de suministro de baterías a nivel nacional.”
California podría proporcionar un modelo global del desarrollo económico inclusivo y favorable al medio ambiente de las cadenas de suministro de litio y baterías. Las recomendaciones incluyen:
Apoyar el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral “de alto nivel”. Esto incluiría imponer condiciones para la financiación pública de las empresas, basándose en Acuerdos de Beneficios Comunitarios negociados, así como la capacitación de trabajadores de la construcción, obreros y profesionales y técnicos en el condado de Imperial.
Reforzar la “canalización de la innovación a la implementación”: proporcionar beneficios a las empresas de ” alto nivel” que desarrollen y fabriquen tecnologías en el Estado. Esto debería incluir un aumento en la financiación a organizaciones de apoyo para emprendedores de energías limpias que apoyan vías de alto nivel para la comercialización de empresas emergentes.
Invertir en infraestructuras locales. Esto incluye infraestructuras físicas y sociales como servicios de salud pública, transporte público, viviendas resistentes al cambio climático y restauración medioambiental relacionada con la gestión del mar Salton y la calidad del aire.
Abordar los obstáculos a la concesión de permisos. Por ejemplo, se podría acelerar la obtención de permisos para proyectos que hayan formalizado acuerdos y cuenten con el apoyo de las comunidades.
Transparencia de la cadena de suministro de baterías. Deben existir mecanismos que controlen, midan y respeten los estándares medioambientales, laborales y de la calidad del aire, tales como el Pasaporte Global de Baterías.
El informe y el mapa Lithium Battery Supply Chain (Cadena de Suministro de Baterías de Litio) cuentan con el apoyo de una subvención de la Fundación James Irvine, y representan la culminación de más de un año de investigación, que incluye aportaciones de una amplia gama de partes interesadas de los sectores laboral, comunitario, industrial, público y tribal.
(2) Este cálculo se basa en la cantidad anual de litio extraído de todas las plantas geotérmicas existentes y utilizado para fabricar baterías
(3) Al menos dos empresas promotoras han firmado acuerdos de proyectos laborales (PLA por sus siglas en inglés) con sindicatos del sector de la construcción para la fase de construcción de los proyectos.
Acerca de New Energy Nexus:
New Energy Nexus es una organización sin fines de lucro que lucha por una economía 100% de energía limpia para el 100% de la población en el menor tiempo posible. Con 20 años de experiencia, ofrecemos aceleradores, financiación y capacitación de primera clase para ayudar a diversos emprendedores a desarrollar una transición energética limpia, más justa y equitativa..
New Energy Nexus comenzó en California en 2004 y ahora opera programas en Nueva York, China, India, Sudeste Asiático, África Oriental y Occidental, y Australia. Desde 2016, hemos apoyado a 1.200 empresas emergentes, más de 8.000 emprendedores y movilizado más de 3.700 millones de dólares en inversiones. Más información en: www.newenergynexus.com/california
Acerca del Instituto para la Transformación Social de UC Santa Cruz
El Instituto, integrado en la División de Ciencias Sociales de UC Santa Cruz, el Instituto apoya la investigación innovadora que cambia al mundo. El instituto es un centro intelectual y social crítico, que conecta a académicos de toda la UC Santa Cruz y a socios de fuera de la universidad, creando soluciones basadas en la investigación de urgentes problemas sociales, medioambientales y políticos del mundo. La investigación del instituto tiene como objetivo comprender y transformar las causas sistémicas subyacentes de los problemas en estas áreas, y aporta la experiencia basada en la investigación y los recursos de UC Santa Cruz a colaboraciones con otras entidades comprometidas con la creación de sociedades locales y globales que se basan en la equidad, el acceso y las oportunidades para todas las personas, la regeneración del medio ambiente y la revitalización democrática. https://transform.ucsc.edu/
Acerca del Centro Laboral de UC Berkeley
El Centro de Investigación y Educación Laboral de UC Berkeley es un programa de servicio público y divulgación del Instituto de Investigación sobre Trabajo y Empleo. Fundado en 1964, el Centro Laboral lleva a cabo investigación y educación sobre temas relacionados con el trabajo y el empleo. Los currículos del Centro Laboral y las capacitaciones de liderazgo sirven para educar a una nueva generación diversa de líderes laborales. El Centro Laboral lleva a cabo investigaciones sobre temas como la calidad del empleo y el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, y trabaja con sindicatos, gobiernos y empleadores para desarrollar programas y perspectivas políticas innovadoras. El Centro también ofrece una importante fuente de investigación e información sobre los sindicatos y la evolución de la fuerza laboral para estudiantes, académicos, legisladores y el público en general. https://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/
Contacto para los medios de comunicación:
Tristan Tremschnig, Director de Global Communications, New Energy Nexus, correo electrónico: tristan.tremschnig@newenergynexus.com (con sede en San Francisco)
New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.
NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com
New research reveals steps California must take to capture more jobs from lithium battery boom
March 19, 2024
Oakland, 26 March 2024 – California is capturing only 2.4% of projected jobs in planned operations in the nation’s lithium battery supply chain, with most going to states that are ranked low in terms of labor protection, worker health and safety, and wage laws.
The findings released today in a new report from New Energy Nexus, with partners at the Institute for Social Transformation at UC Santa Cruz and the UC Berkeley Labor Center, detail how even the state’s very own “Lithium Valley” initiative in the Salton Sea region is projected to miss out on the growing lithium boom, where less than 1% of jobs are associated with lithium extraction. The vast majority of the more than 100,000 expected new jobs are projected to be in battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.
The report – “Powering Prosperity: Building an Inclusive Lithium Supply Chain in California’s Salton Sea Region” – analyzes employment data in the supply chain through an interactive online platform, “Lithium Battery Supply Chains of North America,” which for the first time ever maps jobs in relation to labor, climate, and economic justice indicators. It also recommends how the region could capture more “high-road” jobs and community benefits from lithium extraction with greater policy focus, targeted public investment, and stronger industry, labor, community and tribal partnerships.
“The decisions taken now will determine whether the lithium battery boom will be a race to the top or a race to the bottom,” said Rebecca Lee, co-author of the report and Managing Director of New Energy Nexus California.
“California has been a world leader in EV and battery innovation, and to stay ahead of the curve, it needs to support companies that take the high-road, and that stay and manufacture their technologies in the state. This could be a global model for shared prosperity, generating family-supporting jobs and benefits for local communities, while also decarbonizing the economy.”
California’s Salton Sea region is an underinvested corner of the state where a quarter of the total population, and half of the region’s Native American population, live below the poverty line. It is also home to some of the largest lithium reserves in the world, which has given rise to the name “Lithium Valley.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act created major financial incentives for domestic lithium battery and EV production. Building out a domestic lithium value chain – from processing, battery manufacturing, and recycling – could potentially create good jobs, new business opportunities, and meaningful benefits for local communities.
“We need to ensure that the jobs in lithium extraction itself in Imperial County are good jobs, but a larger benefit to the region could come from co-locating battery and electric vehicle manufacturing,” said Chris Benner, co-author of the report and Professor and Faculty Director at the Institute for Social Transformation, UC Santa Cruz.
“Battery and electric vehicle firms locating here would gain reputational and marketing benefits of being tied to one of the cleanest sources of lithium on the planet, as well as close access to a large environmentally conscious consumer market – the largest consumer base for electric vehicles in the country.”
Key findings:
California is currently the core of the nation’s electric vehicle industry, accounting for roughly 19% of existing jobs in the full lithium and electric vehicle supply chain, by far the highest share of any state.
California, Arizona and Nevada account for nearly a third (31%) of jobs in the full lithium battery and EV value chain, butonly 10% of planned new investment. These states rank highly in the nation for policies that support good jobs and wages (1).
Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia currently account for approximately 16% of total existing employment along the value chain, but represent nearly 34% of projected jobs in new sites. These states are low-to-bottom ranked in terms of labor protection, worker health and safety, and wages.
Of the more than 150,000 existing jobs in the lithium value chain in the USA, 43% are in EV manufacturing, 26% are in battery component, cell, and pack manufacturing, and only 6% of jobs are in mining or critical minerals extraction.
In the Salton Sea region, the number of direct jobs from direct lithium extraction will be relatively modest: a few hundred jobs initially, rising to roughly 2,000 ongoing jobs at projected full build-out many years from now.
The vast majority of jobs associated with the lithium from the Salton Sea region will be created further along the value chain: roughly 1,600 jobs in cathode manufacturing, 20,000 jobs in battery cell and pack manufacturing, and over 100,000 jobs in EV manufacturing (2). There are currently no agreements in place to bring these jobs to the Salton Sea region, much less ensure these jobs are high-quality or will be targeted for local residents (3).
Noemí O. Gallardo, Commissioner, California Energy Commission: “The Lithium Valley vision has the potential to provide tremendous economic opportunity that simultaneously uplifts industry, workers, and residents. Building on existing state efforts, the recommendations outlined in this report can help realize this possibility and boost the Salton Sea region.”
Brigette Browning, Executive Secretary-General, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council: “This report shows that California must urgently build on its clean energy leadership, and ensure it captures and retains family supporting jobs in the lithium battery boom. Both in the construction phase of projects and ongoing operations and maintenance, the sector must support good union jobs and career pathways in new green industries jobs, especially for local residents.”
Sanjiv Malhotra, Founder and CEO, SPARKZ: “We’ve seen real value in taking the “high-road” approach in Lithium Valley, focusing on innovation, investing in our workforce, and generating good jobs. We are proud to partner with the United Auto Workers to secure the American worker’s place in the new energy economy, while also growing the battery supply chain domestically.”
California could provide a global model for the inclusive and environmentally friendly economic development of lithium and battery supply chains. Recommendations include:
Support “high-road” workforce development. This should include conditional public funding for businesses based on negotiated Community Benefits Agreements, as well as training for construction trades, blue collar, and professional and technical workers in Imperial County.
Strengthen the “innovation to implementation pipeline”: provide benefits for “high-road” companies that develop and manufacture technologies in the state. This should include an increase in funding to clean energy entrepreneur support organizations that support high-road pathways for startup commercialization.
Invest in local infrastructure. This includes physical and social infrastructure such as public health services, public transportation, climate resilient housing, and environmental restoration related to Salton Sea management and air quality.
Address permitting barriers. For instance, expedited permitting could be made available for projects that have formalized agreements and support from communities.
Battery supply chain transparency. Mechanisms must be in place that monitor, measure, and uphold environmental, labor and air quality standards, such as the Global Battery Passport.
The report and the Lithium Battery Supply Chain map are supported by a grant from The James Irvine Foundation, and represents the culmination of more than a year of research, including input from a wide range of labor, community, industry, public sector and tribal stakeholders.
(2) This calculation is based on the annual amount of lithium extracted from all existing geothermal plants and used to make batteries.
(3) At least two developers have signed project labor agreements (PLAs) with building trades unions for the construction phase of the projects.
About the Institute for Social Transformation, UC Santa Cruz
Rooted in the Social Sciences Division at UC Santa Cruz, the institute supports innovative scholarship that changes the world. The institute is a critical intellectual and social hub, connecting scholars across UC Santa Cruz and partners beyond the university, developing research-based solutions to urgent social, environmental and political problems in the world. The institute’s research aims to understand and transform the underlying systemic causes of problems in these areas and brings the research-based expertise and resources of UC Santa Cruz to collaborations with others committed to building local and global societies that are rooted in equity, access and opportunity for all people, environmental regeneration and democratic revitalization. https://transform.ucsc.edu/
New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.
NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com
Reflecting on 12 years of battery innovation, from CalCharge to Just Batteries
February 6, 2024
The California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) realised over a decade ago that batteries play a critical role in the energy transition. Since its inception, CalCEF, which evolved into New Energy Nexus in 2016, has been at the forefront of global initiatives to foster a robust and inclusive advanced battery ecosystem.
Reflecting on the end of the CalCharge program that started it all, New Energy Nexus CEO Danny Kennedy shares insights into the role the organization played in connecting the dots between energy storage technology, innovation, and policy.
Batteries are the secret ingredient to unlocking the potential of renewable energy, but it wasn’t always inevitable that this nascent technology would take off as it has this decade. CalCEF – the organization I led back in 2106 and which later became New Energy Nexus – had seen the importance of lithium-ion batteries for electric mobility potential; in fact, it had even invested in a fledgling company called Tesla, that some of you may know, around 2005. Several CalCEF board members and staff, who included long time solar and utility executives, knew that grid storage would become “a thing” as the penetration of variable renewable energy increased on the grids.
Fast forward to 26 January this year, the UN’s first ever International Day of Clean Energy, and I’m at the groundbreaking of California’s first commercial lithium production facility, and the world’s first “fully integrated lithium facility and clean energy campus”. Picture this: John Podesta is leading the groundbreaking with a Congressman, Assembly member, and union heads. Senior officials from Sacramento have trekked down to this side road off Highway 111 near Niland (look it up on Google Maps – we’re not in Kansas nor the California many know) along with former Secretary of Transport, Rod Slater. Rod Colwell, the CEO of Controlled Thermal Resources, the startup commissioning this billion dollar facility, is beaming from head to toe after years of talking about getting this thing going.
Key to the story of Lithium Valley is the buy-in of the traditional custodians of the place, the Torres Martinez tribe of the Cahuilla Bands of Indians, who live throughout this part of desert California and northern Mexico. Councilman Butcher was present at the ceremony and his community are working to host energy projects to power some of the Lithium processing that will ensue from commercial production of the powder. Questions remain about the footprint of all this industrial activity and as Eduardo Garcia, the local representative, said the skeptics have to be given a hearing, which they will. But the prospect of a green Lithium battery supply chain, powered by renewable electricity throughout the manufacturing, which could provide enough batteries for all the cars in America, is tantalizingly close. Even a pundit who has long poo-poo’ed this possibility is changing his tune in the LA Times.
Living the CalCharge dream: 2012-2016
This was always the dream of CalCharge: to engender a soup-to-nuts, next-gen technology based on the brains and clean resources of the Golden State, rich with good, so-called “high road” jobs capable of paying family-supporting wages while ushering in climate solutions.
There was no certainty batteries would even be a big part of the mix, given the hype cycles that ensued about everything from a nuclear renaissance to hydrogen. Solar and wind were far from streaking ahead as they are now. As such, storage on the grid wasn’t perceived to be that important and people thought cars would be “fueled” forever. But CalCEF’s founders had also seen the green shoots of effort by entrepreneurs in California doing creative things with an alphabet soup of chemistries (Li, Zn, Br, Na) and their job was to support these entrepreneurs, which they did systematically.
In particular, in 2012 we formed a new trade association for energy storage companies called CalCharge around a cluster of around 18 startups. The mandate was to create a “center of gravity” for the California energy storage sector that enables diverse stakeholders to collaborate, identify barriers to emerging technology success, and develop solutions that help clear the path to commercialization.
In the early years of Calcharge the main event was literally an event known as the “Bay Area Battery Summit”. This gathering of geeks and scientists and journalists covering new tech was held each year at one of the Bay Area’s three national labs – Lawrence Livermore, Lawrence Berkeley or SLAC, the Stanford Linear Accelerator. It became the place “to be” if you were in batteries in the United States of America. I remember the first BABS (as it became known) that I attended in 2015. It was thrilling in only the way that a lecture theater behind the high security fence line of one of the US’ national labs can be!
We were discussing information that seemed critical for national and dare I say it, planetary security. Speaker after speaker talked of the potential of breakthroughs in energy density and other improvements in battery storage that would allow renewables to take up more than 100% of power demand by pairing wind and solar with the right storage. That their energy density could also move cars, bikes and all modes of transport quickly and cheaper became clearer as well. But challenges for this fledgling industry were also clear.
Supercharging the work: 2017-2021
This is when the CalCharge board decided to supercharge the information-sharing. We made a proposal to the federal government to develop a national networked manufacturing initiative on advanced batteries called Supercharge. This NNMI was supposed to bring together all of the interests, not only in California but across the country, including the American Jobs Project, many labor unions, some of the automobile industry, and New York’s Battery Energy Storage Technology (BEST). Over the course of 2016 we put together a powerful coalition of state agencies and industry, unions and universities and presented to the Department of Commerce our proposed strategy. In October 2016 we were deemed to be worthy of federal support and approved for a US$70 million grant to build out the vision.
As you might remember a month later a new government was formed in the United States, which did not seem interested in the energy transition or promoting new technologies with industrial strategies. We were never awarded the actual funds from the grant despite winning the bid, and instead the United States went into a period of uncoordinated effort around these issues.
There was a small grouping inside the federal government known as the Federal Consortium on Advanced Batteries (FCAB) that kept the light on for such thinking and of course many entrepreneurs and scientists and others in nonprofit and for-profit sectors, who pursued better batteries for those four years of the Trump administration. In parallel, the European Union, China and many other nations really stepped up their efforts in the formation of their own industrial strategies for batteries.
Back to the future: 2021-now
By the time Trump lost his second election the United States was behind, and in some ways had had a sort of “Sputnik moment” – bested in its own tech. Lithium-ion chemistries in particular, which American companies and scientists had contributed to more than any, were now being made at scale mostly in China and in a value chain that mostly left America out except as the buyer of these batteries.
On the first day of the Biden administration an executive order was put out to work out the problem of dependency that America had on a number of critical supply chains including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and batteries. CalCEF, now known as New Energy Nexus, was asked along with the NY BEST and NattBatt, the national battery industry association, to support the government in its quest to solve this problem.
New Energy Nexus was engaged a number of times by LG Energy Solutions, at the time the top battery maker in the world, to find the best and brightest chemists and startups in the battery space. These “Battery Challenges”, which we went on to develop for Kia and Hyundai as well, have helped keep the Korean battery industry abreast of the cutting edge in chemistries.
We also grew our programs in California to support energy storage companies because so much of the state’s climate and energy mandate required more storage on the grid. We developed support for dozens of startups including Cuberg, Coreshell, Sepion and SparkZ. In New York we teamed up with Stan Whittingham’s lab and our old friends at New York BEST and others upstate to pitch to the Department of Commerce again a vision called New Energy New York. And in Australia we built a program to decarbonise the upstream production of raw lithium from spodumene resources through our innovation challenge with our partner, EnergyLab.
Bringing it home
In a little known corner of the country, literally where Arizona and Mexico meet California there is a nationally significant resource of lithium coming out of the geothermal brines that also produce about 5% of California’s electricity. If this resource were turned into reserves and a productive capacity, which has been the focus of many startups since 2010 with a company called Simbal, then America could provision its own batteries with a no-carbon source of lithium. As incredible as that sounds this is the prospect facing California and in particular Imperial County with its Lithium Valley now that CTR has begun building a Li powder and power production facility.
Lithium Valley is the name that has been given to this potential eco-industrial precinct that could grow up around the geothermal power plants already operating by the Salton Sea. Here in the poorest county in California there is an opportunity to produce clean lithium and turn it into precursor chemicals, active cathode materials, battery cells and ultimately battery packs. We published a report “Building Lithium Valley” in 2020, which became the basis for consideration by a Blue Ribbon Commission of the California Legislature and other efforts around the vision of a clean industry hub in the southern Californian inland counties. The local indigenous community have taken a lead in advancing this vision, governed by their values and long-term commitment to the place. Watch this space for more on this concept soon.
New Energy Nexus now stands ready to work with the Torres Martinez and the Cahuilla Indians, on whose land this potential could be achieved. Our aim is to do this right, by which we mean include communities who have historically been taken advantage of by extractive industries at the design phase of the industrial development.
If lithium is recovered from the geothermal sector at scale and gigafactories spring up in and around Imperial County it will be important that the tribal communities as well as farm workers and others who live in the area are at the table. To enable this, we are working with the Torres Martinez on a tribal innovation accelerator proposal, as well as with young people interested in STEM education on a Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator (YEA!) last year.
Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator (YEA!)
Just Batteries
Across the globe, New Energy Nexus teams are looking for ways to advance this linchpin technology – batteries – in ways that are just and equitable. Our impact reports have started to track our progress with the cohorts of entrepreneurs who we train and introduce to partners and capitalise each year. We call this updated vision Just Batteries and look forward to keeping you posted on our progress.
The exciting prospect is that we imagine a world just a few decades hence wherein sufficient lithium and other battery metals have been recovered from the earth’s crust or its brines and need never be extracted again as virgin raw material. Instead, by the ‘40s we could be in a fully circular economy, recovering sufficient material for our energy storage needs from an urban mining process which will be much more economic than new mines or geothermal recovery of lithium. If this is to be realized it is important that those communities this decade and next, from whose land lithium and other battery metals will be recovered, are involved in the full cradle-to-cradle value chain of better batteries.
As for CalCharge, we have wound it up (as of late January 2024, I am resigning as President and we have mothballed the entity and its CRADAs with the national labs). Entrepreneurs looking for support from New Energy Nexus in California for battery-related technologies can apply to our CalSEED and CalTestBed programs. These offerings have all of the advantages and many more than Calcharge provided. Moreover we think we have come to a time that requires global collaboration – not just national – in order to both advance advanced batteries and ensure that they do not become the plaything of geopolitics. Charge on!
How we’re supporting young people to transform the US lithium supply chain
October 8, 2023
Advanced batteries are the linchpin technology in the energy transition and a critical climate solution. Without reliable access to battery technology, many countries such as the USA have no chance of meeting their 2050 carbon emissions goals.
At New Energy Nexus we are focused on going beyond just growing this industry. The “how” matters and is reflected in our commitment to building a mission oriented battery innovation ecosystem.
Imperial County is brimming with innovative talent and entrepreneurial spirit. At NEX, we believe that frontline communities are often those best suited to solve economic and climate challenges. What would happen if we were to flip the script and demonstrate how young people in Imperial Valley are precisely the kinds of entrepreneurs who will help lead a more inclusive economy in California?
That’s why we’ve partnered with local organizations and the Center for Social Innovation at UC Riverside to launch the Youth Entrepreneurial Accelerator (YEA!) in Imperial County – the first of its kind in California aiming to cultivate a new generation of innovators.
On 29 September, over 300 students from across Imperial County engaged with clean tech companies, entrepreneurs, labor partners, government officials and community organizations, and the California Energy Commission.
Our aim to connect young people to social and technology trailblazers in the community and engage them in hands-on experiences to spark their interest in areas of the advanced battery sector.
We see opportunities like this as essential to putting youth at the center of the clean energy transition, and to help surface solutions that can accelerate a more equitable clean energy transition in the state.
Thank you…
Thank you to the Center for Social Innovation at UC Riverside for co-hosting the Youth Innovation Summit, as well as our local partners at Imperial Valley College, the Imperial County Workforce Development Board, Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Programs, and all the high schools that participated.
A special thank you to Danna Padilla, a student from Southwest High School in El Centro, who was first place winner of our YEA! logo design competition. We’d also like to thank the rest of the graphic design students from Southwest High School for their design submissions and the Imperial High School Tigerbotics Team for being part of our youth innovation workshop.
The startup on a mission to electrify Indonesia’s 125 million motorcycles
July 11, 2023
Battery life is a crucial pain point for EV users. SWAP Energi aims to solve this by building a network of battery swapping stations for e-motorcycle riders. New Energy Nexus introduced SWAP to potential investors, helped prepare funding documents, and offered business acceleration program support. The startup now has more than 800 swap charging stations in 14 provinces.
We spoke to the team at SWAP Energi about their mission to electrify Indonesia’s booming two-wheeler market.
“Lots of prospective users are curious. Our duty is to explain to them so they will be interested,” said Irwan Tjahaja, CEO at Swap Energi Indonesia. So far, SWAP Energi Indonesia has been educating people about electric vehicles and “Swap Stations” by collaborating with their users, and making them a brand ambassador.
Potential users have many questions: is this vehicle strong enough and can it match gasoline fueled vehicles in terms of cruising range? Also, how cheap are the spare parts and maintenance?
Irwan Tjahaja, CEO at Swap Energi Indonesia
In 2021, the startup launched its electric motorcycle brand Smoot. A year later, Swap Energy and Smoot partnered with Grab and state-owned electric company PLN to develop an integrated EV ecosystem in Indonesia.
“Every Smoot motorcycle user is a brand ambassador,” said Keving Phang, CPO of Swap Energi Indonesia. Kevin believes when a user is satisfied with the product and finds it convenient, they will share their experience with their family and friends, and even form a community that can raise awareness of EVs with their immediate community.
Later on, SWAP Energi Indonesia began focusing on the development of the Swap Energi app, making it more sophisticated and user-friendly.
“A key feature of the app is the ability to find the nearest Swap Station, integrated with Google maps, and track your battery reservation , find parking, analyze the machine’s health, and receive a notification for service or change spare parts,” Kevin said.
These convenient features have been noticed by users.
“SWAP Energi app is easy, everything is there. There is no more coming and finding out that the station has run out of battery,” said Ongko, one of the users of electric motorbike Tempur from Smoot Motor Indonesia.
As an office worker, he admits that electric motorbikes make his life easier.
“I don’t need a charging station at home. It is like you go to the gas station but with an electric motorbike and the app makes it more efficient as I don’t have to wait in line.”
Andi, an online taxi driver has the same experience. “I changed to an electric motorbike because it is environmentally friendly and cheaper. I don’t have to pay for routine services such as getting an oil change.
An online taxi driver such as him covers a lot of ground: “It could be tens of kilometers each day.”.
However, this isn’t a problem because there are more than 350 points in Jabodetabek (an area of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. He no longer worries about running out of battery while carrying passengers. SWAP Energi Indonesia also provides a special price for battery exchange for online taxi drivers, which is IDR 17,000 (US$1.14)/100 km. This price is twice as cheap as petrol fuel.
Since 2019, New Energy Nexus Indonesia in collaboration with IKEA Foundation acts as a bridge between different sectors and stakeholders, running incubation, acceleration, and funding programs to urgently develop the clean energy startup ecosystem. Find out more.
LG Energy Solution launches second Battery Challenge, in partnership with New Energy Nexus
August 29, 2022
29 August 2022, Seoul – LG Energy Solution (LGES), in partnership with New Energy Nexus launched its second Battery Challenge (BC), a global startup program aimed to accelerate next generation battery technologies to meet the increasing demands of the energy transition.
Up to ten startups will have the opportunity to work together with LG Energy Solutions research and innovation team to implement proof of concept projects or pilots. This challenge originated from the success of the Battery Challenge in 2019, which resulted in seven finalists participating in a workshop and pitch day at LG Chem R&D Center in Daejeon and LG Chem Headquarters in Seoul respectively. Five winners received prize money.
This year the prize pool has increased to $1,000,000 total and up to ten winners will be selected, the goal is to award the startups that have the highest potential of collaboration with LGES and that have presented a strong proof-of-concept (POC) proposal.
The LGES Battery Challenge is recruiting early-stage battery startups in areas of battery materials, battery management system, battery manufacturing and quality control, battery maintenance, battery recycling and reuse technology, and newly added smart factory solutions. The program’s selection criteria will favor applicants with competitive solutions, experienced teams, customer traction and an execution ready POC proposal.
“LG Energy Solution’s has continued to pave the way for battery innovation. We are excited to be working with LGES again to help realize their ambition and most importantly supporting startups along the way,” says Andrew Chang, Program Director, New Energy Nexus.
The LGES Battery Challenge application window is from August 8 to September 16. New Energy Nexus is the manager and facilitator for this challenge.
LG Energy Solution is a global leader delivering advanced lithium-ion batteries for Electric Vehicles (EV), Mobility & IT applications, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). With 30 years of experience in advanced battery technology, it continues to grow rapidly towards the realization of sustainable life. With its robust global network that spans the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia, LG Energy Solution is more committed than ever to developing innovative technologies that will bring the future energy a step closer. Under its ESG vision “We CHARGE toward a better future,” LG Energy Solution is doing its utmost to prioritize the environment, fulfill social responsibilities and shape a sustainable future.
New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.
NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com
