German lithium-sulfur battery company theion has launched a representative office in the UAE’s commercial hub of Dubai, as part of its Gulf expansion plan.
theion, which launched back in 2020, utilises sulfur, an industrial waste product and by-product of the region’s oil industry, for its battery technology.
In its announcement, the lithium-sulfur battery tech startup shared that it plans to work in collaboration with universities, contributing to R&D, while working with industry to streamline sourcing, and with corporates to scale cell production.
In an interview with ESG Mena earlier this year, when speaking about theion’s expansion into the Arab region, Dr Ulrich Ehmes, Chief Executive Officer, discussed the company’s plans to establish an R&D centre staffed with material scientists to serve as a “nucleus for further growth.”
“Around this centre, we aim to build an ecosystem conducive to mass-producing batteries locally and for global distribution,” he noted.
This week, commenting on the company’s Gulf launch, Dr Ehmes called the UAE office the “logical next step” in its Gulf expansion.
“Not only is the energy transition a central focus of the Gulf states, but the business environment is excellent; regional economies continue to grow as well as talents and resources are being available,” he said.
Adding: “Here in the Gulf, we see a compelling vision for the future, the drive to make that vision a reality, and sulfur in abundance.”
According to the battery company, with its technology, it also aims to meet the “fast-growing global demand” for electric flying and other emerging use cases.
“By accelerating battery innovation from the Gulf region, theion will also foster talent growth and job creation and help make the energy transition a reality,” the company said in a statement this week.