Mobile Power

Delighted that we have signed a Knowledge Transfer Agreement with the University of Sheffield for R&D in battery technology for optimising the efficiency and extending the lifespan of out proprietary batteries. MOPO CEO Chris Longbottom said, “We have a fantastic R&D team which has developed our platforms technology and hardware which we are rolling out across Africa. The University of Sheffield is an outstanding innovation hub and this agreement signifies the integration of its expertise into MOPO. This is a strategic move aimed at enhancing our in-company R&D capabilities and bolstering our competitive edge in the development of a diverse range of MOPO batteries, which play a pivotal role in delivering clean and affordable electricity across Africa. Professor Dan Gladwin, Professor of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, said: “More than 740 million people don’t have access to electricity around the world and for many communities the only power sources potentially available are petrol and diesel generators. These are often expensive, pricing many people out, but they are also dangerous and damaging to the environment. Smart batteries can play a major role in helping to connect communities to electricity. They are clean, safe and can be much cheaper to access than petrol and diesel generators. We’ve already seen through our project with Mobile Power how its MOPO batteries can make a difference to people’s lives across several African countries. We’re looking forward to helping further develop the technology so more people can access electricity.” Thomas McKinney, an R&D Battery Engineer, and PhD student at the University of Sheffield, added: “Smart batteries could revolutionise energy systems for countries that have communities off-grid. I’m excited to use the expertise I’ve gained from the past eight years at university to help develop this technology, but also to see how it can help people and provide them with a clean, affordable energy source.”

This is a great project partnering with The University of Sheffield, trialling Sodium Ion MOPO Batteries. Thanks to Prof Dan Gladwin, The Faraday Institute and Ayrton Fund for enabling it to happen.

Great that our collaboration with the University of Sheffield has been mentioned by Faraday. The focus with UoS is developing longer-life MOPO batteries and exploring how they could be given a second life. The Agreement strengthens our relationship with engineers from the University of Sheffield, who have been collaborating with MOPO since 2015. It also represents a strategic move aimed at enhancing capabilities and bolstering competitive edge in the development of a diverse range of MOPO batteries that connect communities across Africa to sustainable energy. https://lnkd.in/e4mKPuWq

Very exciting to be #hiring a Product Owner in product team at MOPO HQ in #Sheffield — check out the job description below. If you know anybody that fits the role don't worry about the job title, let them know!

Very excited to be featured in WIRED

Well done Dr Tom! MOPO is excited for you to leverage some of our big data to bring better energy provision to our customers!!

After spending a week in Sierra Leone with MOPO, I am excited to share some thoughts on the power of user-centric design and the impact it can have on product development. Being on the ground has given me invaluable insights into how our products are utilised, the challenges our users face, and the real impact the products make. Understanding the needs, behaviours and aspirations of MOPO users is not just part of my job - it's a principle that comes with anything that's being designed. In Sierra Leone, access to reliable power isn't something that's a guarantee, something that we 100% take for granted in the Western world. I powered a fan for sleeping using MOPOMax - given the humanity, I can't see how it's something people can go without! It's been eye-opening. Here are some key takeaways: 1. Being physically present allows me to experience the users' reality. It's not about just meeting needs, it's about connecting and understanding the human experience behind each design choice. 2. Design doesn't exist in a vacuum. By navigating the same challenges - I can ensure the solutions designed are practical and realistic. 3. Users face challenges that they may not be able to articulate directly. By observing and engaging in their environment, I can see unmet needs. 4. Design is an iterative process. Continuous interaction with users facilitates ongoing improvement. Feedback loops are shortened, allowing us to adapt designs swiftly based on real-world usage. Our designs aren't just about functionality; they're about making a positive impact on lives.

We posted a quick update to investors and have been delighted with the response. We are making great strides in expanding our solar powered battery rental model focused on delivering affordable, sustainable energy solutions to the millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa who lack reliable power infrastructure. With US$ 12 million to allocate these are exciting times.   #renewableenergy #powerforafrica #mopo #sustainableenergy

Battery Recycling Partnership with Hinckley E-waste Recycling in Nigeria   We are delighted to announce our partnership agreement with Hinckley E-waste Recycling (‘Hinckley’) to facilitate the recycling of our MOPO batteries utilised at our solar powered battery rental hubs in Nigeria. Whilst our focus is on the supply of battery energy services to individuals and businesses in Africa, we are equally aware of the crucial need to recycle our batteries to mitigate pollution, conserve resources, and ultimately cultivate a healthier planet for future generations. We are therefore delighted to be working with e-waste recycler, Hinckley E-waste Recycling, to create a ‘closed loop’ with MOPO battery recycling built into our service. By tackling energy hurdles through battery solutions and partnering with a distinguished leader in recycling, we look forward to fostering positive socio-economic changes throughout Nigeria as we execute our battery rental model.   MOPO has been active in Africa since 2017, where it currently carries out 6 million MOPO battery rentals per year through its distribution agents operating from solar powered recharging hubs. Developed in Sheffield, UK, MOPO’s product portfolio includes the larger MOPOMax battery, which can be used to replace small petrol generators (0-4kVA) and as a battery swap for e-motorbike taxis; and the smaller MOPO50, which provides basic household energy for lighting, phone charging and Direct Current (DC) appliances. Each MOPO battery, which includes integrated payment technology to ensure energy is only discharged upon agent payment through the MOPO App, can be tracked via the MOPO Platform to determine whether it is with an agent or customer or has reached the end of its life and is ready to be recycled. MOPO has a highly scalable business model and has completed 14 million rentals to date. It currently operates in six African countries and recently raised €3 million in financing to accelerate its operational roll out in the DRC. #mobilepower #netzero #energytransition #africanpower #sustainableenergy #investinafrica #batteries #ESG #IEA