- Mobile Power and Hinckley E-waste Recycling Nigeria team up to address Africa’s e-waste crisis.
- The goal is to extend the life of used electric batteries crucial for rural solar energy access.
Mobile Power, a British firm specialising in African electric battery rentals, partners with Hinckley E-waste Recycling Nigeria. Their goal is to give used electric batteries a second life, crucial for rural communities accessing photovoltaic solar energy.
Africa’s e-waste crisis is alarming, with the continent generating 2.9 million tons of e-waste in 2019 and effectively recycling only 1 per cent. Off-grid electricity access equipment worsens this challenge, prompting Mobile Power to adopt sustainable practices.
Operating in countries like the DRC, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and others, Mobile Power establishes Mopo hubs in rural areas. These hubs, powered by solar energy, facilitate battery exchange through local agents.
Hinckley oversees the shipment of used Mopo batteries for recycling by Accurec in Mülheim, Germany. Mobile Power’s CEO, Chris Longbottom, stresses their commitment to environmental responsibility.
They aim to mitigate pollution, conserve resources, and cultivate a healthier planet. This collaboration with Hinckley creates a ‘closed loop’ with Mopo battery recycling integrated into their service.
Since 2017, Mobile Power has facilitated 6 million battery swaps annually. Recently, they partnered with CrossBoundary Access, investing $10 million in electric battery leasing in Nigeria. This initiative addresses the urgent need for rural electrification in Nigeria, a market with over 213 million inhabitants.