Innovative and highly efficient products, strong investment in R&D and a gradually increasing production pipeline: this is the strategy of REPT BATTERO to continue to grow in the BESS sector
In this interview, we explore the company’s strategic vision and the unique technological innovations that they continue to launch onto the market.
We had the chance to set an exclusive interview at The Smarter E Europe 2024 in Munich with Dr. Si Liu, General Manager of Energy Storage, and Dr. Xuejun Bai, Project Director at REPT BATTERO, a leading company in the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) industry. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence, REPT BATTERO is at the forefront of revolutionizing energy storage solutions, catering to a global market that spans across China, the United States, and the European Union.
In this interview, we delve into the company’s strategic vision and the unique technological innovations they are continuously launching into the market.
Dr Xuejun Bai, Project Director
Dear Dr Bai, Your company has been particularly distinguished in the research, design, and production of batteries for electric mobility. Here you have presented the innovative “Wending” technology. What is it about?
We launched the Wending technology about two years ago, but our work on this innovation started three years before its official release. We focused on developing a new structure and precise manufacturing techniques to transition this technology into real production for our customers. Wending technology combines two major innovations: a new cell structure and chemical advancements.
For the structural innovation, a single cell consists of three parts: the shell housing, the top cover, and the active component inside the shell. Traditionally, companies have purchased complete top covers from suppliers, which required leaving about 15mm of operational space within the cell. This space was essentially wasted, reducing the energy density of the battery. In our approach, we decided to redesign and justify each component individually. By producing these parts in-house and using laser welding, we saved approximately 7mm in height, allowing us to use 7% more space for active material.
For example, our standard 280mAh platform production, which is common in the market, increased its capacity from 280mAh to 320mAh with our Wending technology. In the next step, we have already redesigned the cells to further increase the capacity to 345mAh. This innovation offers at least 5% higher capacity compared to our competitors, providing significant advantages to our customers.
This enhanced capacity and efficiency give us a competitive edge, making our products more attractive to customers seeking higher energy density and better performance.
As battery recycling is a very important topic, how is REPT BATTERO’s recent qualification for echelon utilization by the MIIT expected to impact the company’s approach to battery recycling and contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development and the national dual-carbon strategy?
The recent qualification by the MIIT for echelon utilization is a significant milestone for REPT BATTERO in the realm of battery recycling. This qualification allows us to repurpose used batteries more effectively, aligning with sustainable development and the national dual-carbon strategy.
When discussing the reuse of batteries, it is crucial to understand their history and performance over the last several years of production. We need to assess the current status of these batteries to determine if they can be safely and effectively used for another two to three years. To facilitate this, REPT BATTERO leverages big data and the internet to monitor the performance of our batteries sold to customers over the past few years. With the customers’ permission, we collect and analyze this data to evaluate the condition and future usability of the batteries.
Moreover, we have established a comprehensive standard for testing batteries that are returned to our factory. These tests categorize the batteries based on their performance, determining their suitability for continued use. For instance, a battery might be deemed fit for another five years of operation or designated for other applications based on its test results.
In addition to this, once a battery reaches the end of its life, we proceed with recycling. We have established partnerships with various entities to facilitate this process. The first step involves retrieving the used batteries from users, whether in China, the EU, or other locations. Our primary recycling base is in South East Asia, where we convert the batteries into a black powder through chemical treatment. This process allows us to extract valuable elements such as nickel and cobalt, which are then reused as raw materials in our new production plants.
This structured approach to battery recycling not only enhances the longevity and utility of our products but also significantly contributes to sustainable development goals and supports the national dual-carbon strategy by reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.
In general, what is the estimated cumulative production capacity in GWh for 2024?
Currently, we have five manufacturing bases across different cities in China, giving us a total production capacity of nearly 100 GWh. We have two additional manufacturing bases under construction, one expected to be completed by the end of 2024 and another by the end of 2025. By the end of these years, we anticipate our total production capacity in China to exceed 120 GWh.
From an R&D perspective, what are the main areas of focus currently to enhance battery efficiency?
Yes, the potential for improvement is still significant, especially in the commercial sector. For us, efficiency means maximizing what you get: for example, if you charge 100 and discharge 94, you waste 6%. Improving this efficiency by even a small amount, such as 1-2%, can lead to significant profit increases, which is very important to our customers.
Currently, our battery efficiency, primarily determined by our cells, is around 93-94%. With our new design, we can achieve up to 96%. This additional 2% improvement in efficiency translates directly into increased profits.
Our new “Wending” technology also contributes by creating more space for the actual materials, allowing for better chemical design to reduce resistance and shorten connections. This results in less energy loss. Our chemistry team has developed a new solid and liquid interface. Typically, when ions transfer between liquid and solid states, some material is wasted. However, our new design ensures the liquid transfers efficiently throughout the solid, minimizing waste and improving overall efficiency. This innovation greatly facilitates the ion transfer process, making it much easier and more efficient.
Dr Si Liu, General Manager of Energy Storage
Dear Dr Liu, How important are the European, Italian, and US markets to your company, and what are the main reasons for your plan to grow in these countries?
The top three markets for Repto are China, the US, and the EU. These markets are distinct, with American customers primarily focused on utility-scale projects. However, we believe there are many opportunities with customers and independent power producers (IPPs) in the EU.
Our focus includes both the utilities sector and the household market. The EU is particularly important for the household market. In the US, our efforts are more centered around utilities. In the EU, we are in the early stages but are already working on numerous projects. The most important factor for us is the satisfaction of our customers in the EU market.
In your market forecasts, what role and contribution will you have in the rapid process of European decarbonization by 2050?
As EU countries invest significantly in new renewable energy facilities to meet their decarbonization targets by 2050, the demand for our batteries will increase. Our highly efficient batteries will play a crucial role in this transition, not only by participating in the EU’s decarbonization efforts but also by accelerating the process. Our unique technology reduces energy waste, leading to greater efficiency, less emissions, and more profit, which are all positive externalities.
REPT Battero is gaining significant importance in the market thanks to the continuous focus on innovation. Can you explain why it is becoming so competitive compared to other brands? What are its main unique qualities? Additionally, what is the ultimate goal in terms of market share the company aspires to achieve?
First of all, teamwork is crucial. We require extensive knowledge across various fields, including mechanical, chemical, electronics, engineering, and electrical disciplines. We have a team of experts in all these departments, which is part of our excellence. We start with talented individuals in our departments, allowing us to lead the market through a focus on innovation rather than being followers.
Secondly, our powerful supply chain advantage from our home country is key in today’s market landscape.
In the first quarter of this year, we were already assessed as a tier 1 manufacturer for BESS by Bloomberg. However, we are still aiming higher. Our ultimate goal is to become the number one company in the market.
What are the main challenges REPT BATTERO will face in the coming years within the BESS market?
The main challenge we face every day is competition. There are many players in the market, especially in China, and new competitors are entering the market constantly, with 6000 new entrants just in the past year. To stay competitive and succeed, we must continuously push for innovation. Additionally, we need to perform exceptional work every day to sustain our growth and stay ahead in this highly competitive landscape.
How will the rapid advent of AI in the global energy market change your products and market strategy?
At the product level, we have integrated AI into some of our utility systems, though currently, it’s primarily hardware. For example, we use software to monitor the health of batteries when they are returned to determine if they are resellable. This is just one example of AI at the product level.
Additionally, AI significantly enhances our quality control processes in manufacturing. In the past, humans manually checked each part for defects, which was time-consuming and prone to errors. Now, AI performs these checks, identifying defects like holes with greater accuracy and efficiency. This self-learning capability of AI has greatly improved our production efficiency, making our operations more streamlined and reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
