Statevolt's 40 GWh battery gigafactory in Ras Al Khaimah to be ready by 2026

In a major development for the MENA region on battery manufacturing, California-headquartered Statevolt has launched a sister company in the UAE, Statevolt Emirates, which is now gearing up to establish a solid-state battery cell production gigafactory in Ras Al Khaimah, targeting production by the end of 2026. 

The battery firm, founded by Swedish entrepreneur Lars Carlstrom a couple of years ago, has announced an investment of about $3.2 billion for the gigafactory project that is planned to come up at the Al Ghail Industrial Park in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). 

With an annual production capacity of up to 40 GWh, the project is envisaged to strategically tap the emerging export markets for battery storage and e-mobility in the middle-eastern region, including Africa and India. 

Set to generate up to 2,500 direct jobs, the project will contribute significantly to the UAE Vision 2031 for a 'Forward Economy and a Forward Society' by "playing a pivotal role in meeting the increasing demand for energy storage solutions while fostering local economic growth through technological innovation", claims Statevolt Emirates. 

"Our $3.2 billion investment in the Ras Al Khaimah gigafactory, using next-generation technology, highlights this commitment, aiming to meet the growing demand for energy storage solutions across Africa, India, the UAE, and the Middle East. We greatly value the support from the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone authorities", commented Lars Carlstrom. 

Statevolt is already building a 54 GWh gigafactory for lithium-ion batteries in California. The gigafactory announcement for UAE is a significant development for company in terms of its global expansion and technological development, as the RAK facility is set to make semi-solid-state batteries to start with.