Statevolt Emirates to construct US$3.2 billion battery gigafactory in UAE

Ras Al Khaimah facility pegged for Q4 2026 launch with annual production capacity of up to 40 GWH as company targets key export markets across Africa, India, the UAE and broader Middle East.

US headquartered green industrialisation company Statevolt has announced plans to develop a US$3.2 billion technology-agnostic battery cell gigafactory in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Located within the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone’s (RAKEZ) Al Hamra Industrial Zone, and spanning 60 hectares, Statevolt Emirates will begin production with semi-solid state battery cells with subsequent transition to solid state technology once the project reaches full capacity.

Statevolt’s UAE facility will target key exports markets across Africa, India, the UAE and broader Middle East with expected annual production capacity of up to 40 GWH once fully operational.
Construction of the facility is awaiting permit approval with the company aiming to have the production line operational by the end of 2026. The gigafactory operation is also expected to generate up to 2,500 direct job opportunities. 

Commenting on the announcement, Statevolt Founder & CEO, Lars Carlstrom,  said: "At Statevolt, our commitment to the global energy transition is founded on our focus on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. Our US$3.2 billion investment in the Ras Al Khaimah gigafactory, using next-generation technology, highlights this commitment, aiming to meet the growing demand for energy storage solutions across Africa, India, the UAE, and the Middle East. 

“We greatly value the support from the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone authorities and are confident that our partnership will bring success and significant opportunities for the community. We are happy to be able to be a player in one of the world’s most prospering economies who are now taking the lead in new industrialisation."

Statevolt will work closely with RAKEZ and various community partners to implement its modular design approach, allowing for a faster route to market as well as a solution to diversify production based on technology readiness. According to a company statement, the factory will deliver battery solutions adaptable to a wide range of climates and conditions, and help support grid stabilisation, enhance renewable energy integration, and improve overall energy efficiency.

This announcement follows the February 2024 opening of the UAE’s first fully integrated battery recycling plant in Dubai. The US$32.67 million Dubatt Battery Recycling facility, located in Dubai Industrial City, will use onsite manufactured ingots manufactured to produce new batteries and products for domestic sale and for export across the GCC, Far East and Europe. The facility is expected to include a grinding and granulation line for 3,600 MT of battery plastics, 5,000 MT of lithium batteries, and 7,000 MT of e-waste.

In December 2023, Schneider Electric and UAE-based Volts signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during COP28 to construct and launch the UAE’s first Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) giga industrial facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The partners will explore areas of collaboration and opportunity on technological, consulting, and automation services to serve the production of industrial and home energy storage systems and battery cells.

Commenting at the time, Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector, UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “The UAE is emerging as a hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation and green energy. This MoU signifies how the country provides an ideal environment for investors and major international corporations to set up alongside local industries under a single vision to accelerate sustainable industrial and technological development. This is in line with both Make it in the Emirates and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”