Gotion Sets Commissioning for 20 GWh Morocco Plant

Gotion Power Morocco said equipment commissioning and startup at its lithium iron phosphate battery cell plant in Kenitra’s Atlantic Free Zone will begin during the week of October 20. The company said construction of the facility’s buildings and infrastructure is complete.

The first phase is designed for 20 GWh of annual production capacity and represents an investment of approximately $1.3 billion, according to Gotion’s project information. The 20 GWh figure is planned capacity rather than current output. Commissioning will bring equipment into operation and test its performance before industrial cell production and a gradual increase in output.

The factory will produce LFP batteries for customers in Morocco and other African markets, as well as Europe, the Middle East and the United States. Gotion Power Morocco Chairman Khalid Qalam had previously said sales of assembled batteries were expected before the end of the year. The next commercial milestones include consistent production, customer deliveries and increasing output.

Separately, Gotion and PowerCo announced plans on September 28 for joint ventures in Spain, Slovakia and Morocco covering LFP cell and cathode materials production. The proposed Kenitra materials venture would manufacture cathode material, with Gotion holding 51% and PowerCo holding 49%. The partners would manage the venture together.

The October commissioning timetable applies to cell-production equipment and does not establish a startup date for the cathode materials facility. Volkswagen said its partnership with Gotion is intended to diversify supplies and strengthen Europe’s battery industry.

LFP technology offers relatively competitive costs, a long service life and durability, making it suitable for more affordable electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Financing documents describe an initial 10 GWh project, while Gotion’s broader first-phase description lists 20 GWh.

Source: africa.businessinsider.com