Sheffield firm MOPO has secured £1m in funding from Innovate 海角视频 to expand its generator replacement MOPOMax pay-per-use battery rental business in Nigeria.
The company is aiming to revolutionise access to sustainable energy for millions of households and businesses across both urban and rural communities in Africa, many of which suffer from unstable or no electricity infrastructure. The company offers battery rentals for lighting, phone charging, and powering DC appliances, as well as for larger appliances.
Customers rent, return and replace MOPO’s batteries at solar-powered hubs managed by local agents. The country says its services lead to a cleaner and significantly more cost-effective alternative to carbon-based electricity generation.
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MOPO is one of six companies that have secured part of £4.8m funding for the ZE-Gen Demonstrators from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.
CEO Chris Longbothom said, “Our innovative pay-per-use battery rental model continues to be recognised as a high-impact solution for delivering affordable, sustainable energy across Africa. Access to energy is fundamental to economic growth, and MOPO empowers households and small businesses by providing electricity without the burden of high upfront equipment costs.
“We are already facilitating over one million rentals per month, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with ZE-Gen to finance the further expansion of our MOPOMax generator-replacement business in Nigeria, one of our key markets. Together, we’re making clean, affordable energy accessible to those who need it most, while fostering long-term growth in the communities we serve.”
Dr James Coombes O’Brien, ZE-Gen lead at Innovate 海角视频 said: “Taking innovations out of the lab and demonstrating how cutting-edge technology can create clean energy in real world situations in place of fossil fuel generators is something we’re delighted ZE-Gen can bring to life. By being a ZE-Gen Demonstrator, MOPO is joining a leading international programme and contributing to ZE-Gen’s collaborative work to benefit people and boost economic growth in the 海角视频 and internationally.”