By Larry Claasen
BALANCELL, a pioneer in energy storage technology, officially opened its advanced Gigafactory in Ndabeni, Cape Town.
This significant investment was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, who praised the R150-million investment as a step forward for both South African industry and global competitiveness.
Balancell, which designs and manufactures lithium ferro-phosphate smart batteries, aims to elevate its technology to meet global demand, particularly as industries push for more sustainable energy solutions.
The Gigafactory, designed to produce up to 1.7GWh per year, features four production lines and is geared for further expansion, potentially scaling up to 3GWh annually.
At the event, Whitfield highlighted the strategic importance of the new facility, which aligns with government goals to bolster local manufacturing and job creation.
“Balancell’s investment is not only a boost for local industry, but it demonstrates the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of South African businesses. This factory will drive growth and create new jobs, helping build a more resilient economy,” Whitfield said.
Leading innovation with local roots
Balancell’s batteries components are locally produced, except for the fuel cells, says Dr. Ian de Vries, who founded the group in 2013.
Since then, Balancell has grown from a team of three to an operation employing 75 direct staff, nearly 70% of whom are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. The company has also generated around 1 500 indirect jobs through its supply chain.
De Vries, a longtime advocate for affordable, sustainable energy, views the Gigafactory as a launchpad for further expansion.
“We’re just getting started,” he said, adding that the new facility will support Balancell’s entrance into the European market, with plans to open a final assembly plant in Portugal within the year.
Balancell’s batteries are known for their durability and safety, and engineered to withstand harsh environments, with applications ranging from electric forklifts to refrigerated trucks and mining equipment.
A unique feature of Balancell batteries is their modular design, which allows for individual components to be replaced rather than the entire unit, extending the product’s lifespan and reducing waste.
European standards
One of the company’s latest initiatives is to meet the European Digital Battery Passport standards, ensuring full traceability and recyclability across the supply chain. Balancell’s batteries also connect to the cloud for remote diagnostics, providing continuous monitoring of battery health and performance. This capability has been crucial for industrial clients, enabling early detection of issues and reducing costly downtime.
Expanding global reach with homegrown talent
Recognised by the Financial Times as Africa’s fastest-growing manufacturing business in 2024, Balancell is positioning itself for global competitiveness.
Andrew McPherson, an investor and advisor to the company, cited Balancell’s commitment to quality and safety as key drivers for his investment.
“This team has incredible talent, high standards, and a clear vision for where they’re headed.”
With uninterrupted views of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, the Ndabeni facility stands as a symbol of South Africa’s potential in the green energy market. Through continued innovation, local job creation, and global expansion, Balancell is set to play a major role in shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions.
