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Jamaica Looking To Attract Investments To Supply Five-Year Energy Needs

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Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, says Jamaica is ready to move to the next phase of investment plans to supply the country’s first five years of energy needs under the recently completed Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

This comprises 320 megawatts (MW) of wind and solar; 120 MWs of liquefied natural gas (LNG); and 74 MW of hydro, waste to energy and/or biomass.

The IRP sets out Jamaica’s 20-year plan for the electricity generation sector.

“It takes into consideration our outlook on economic growth and development and the demand for energy over that period of time.

Recently, we took to Cabinet the first five years of that 20-year [plan] in terms of the need for additional capacity, and that was approved,” she noted.

Mrs. Williams was speaking on Thursday (July 30) at a webinar titled ‘Jamaica: Scaling up Investments in Clean Energy’ hosted by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) in partnership with New Energy Events.

She told the potential investors in attendance that the procurement process to acquire the additional generating capacity will be “open and transparent” and will be managed by a Board that recently got a new chairman.

“It has a secretariat and they are in the process of getting the technical assistance that will allow them to develop the specs or the request for proposal (RFP) and begin that process of going to market,” she noted

“It will be very transparent. There is very low political risk as well, meaning that contracts that are signed as a result of this process will be long-term contracts that will survive different administrations. Jamaica has a reputation of honouring contracts, so there should be absolutely no questions with regard [to] that whatsoever,” Mrs. Williams noted.

She said that Jamaica is committed to generating half of its energy supply from renewables by 2037, with an overall target of 1,664 MWs.

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Powering the Future: How Tech and Policy Are Driving Explosive Growth in Energy Storage, Renewables, and EVs

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The energy storage, renewable energy, and electric vehicle (EV) industries are experiencing significant growth, driven by technological advancements and policy support.

Energy Storage Sector

The global energy storage market is projected to expand from USD 416.02 billion in 2025 to USD 841.19 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% (Straits Research, 2024). This growth is primarily attributed to the increasing integration of renewable energy sources and the need for grid stability. In the United States, battery energy storage capacity is expected to nearly double by 2024, reaching over 30 gigawatts (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2023).Mission-Critical Energy Storage Battery Pack Sector.

Mission-Critical Energy Storage Battery Pack Sector

The demand for mission-critical energy storage solutions is intensifying, particularly in sectors requiring an uninterrupted power supply, such as data centres and healthcare facilities. The U.S. battery energy storage system market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 30.5% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 4.4 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research, 2023). This surge is driven by the need for reliable backup power and the integration of renewable energy sources into critical infrastructure.

Renewable Energy Industry

The renewable energy sector is undergoing rapid expansion. In 2024, the United States added 48.2 gigawatts of solar, wind, and battery storage capacity, a 47% increase from the previous year (The Guardian, 2025). Declining costs and supportive policies like the Inflation Reduction Act 2022 propel this growth. Globally, China has made significant strides, adding clean energy generation in the first half of 2024, equivalent to the entire electricity output of the United Kingdom for the previous year (The Guardian, 2024).

Electric Vehicle Industry

The EV market is expanding swiftly. In 2023, electric cars accounted for approximately 18% of all vehicles sold globally, up from 14% in 2022 (International Energy Agency, 2024). Projections indicate that by 2024, 25% of all new passenger car registrations will be electric, surpassing 17 million units in sales worldwide (GreenMatch, 2024). This trend is supported by technological advancements, increased consumer acceptance, and policy incentives to reduce carbon emissions. These industries are experiencing robust growth, driven by technological innovation, policy support, and a global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

Extracted from Alexander Melville Chief Executive Officer Tropical Battery Company Limited (TROPICAL) – Interim Financial Statements For The First Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

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Tropical Battery Strategic Acquisition Moves Significantly Contributing To Growth Trajectory.

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Alexander Melville Chief Executive Officer Tropical Battery Company Limited Has Released The Following Interim Report To Shareholders Q3 Fy2024 (April 1, 2024 To June 30, 2024)

Financial Highlights

For the Quarter April 1 to June 30, 2024

For the third quarter of 2024, we reported exceptional financial results, with gross operating revenue reaching $1.9 billion from $782.8 million last year, an increase of 143.6% year-over-year. This growth is primarily attributed to the 100% acquisition of Rose Batteries in San Jose, California, and the 51% acquisition of Kaya Energy in the Dominican Republic. These strategic moves have significantly contributed to our growth trajectory.

Our gross profit for the quarter was $623.3 million, up 172.6% from the previous year. This indicates higher sales volumes, improved cost efficiencies, and favourable pricing strategies.

The quarter’s EBITDA was $255.1 million, a 272.8% increase year over year, which underscores our ability to optimise cost structures and enhance profitability from core operations.

Net income for the quarter more than doubled to $121.3 million, up 212.5% from last year. This shows our effective expense management and execution of growth strategies. Additionally, our Return on Equity (ROE) for the quarter was 38.7%, reflecting robust financial health and efficient management.

For the 9 Months YTD

Our financial performance saw material growth for the first nine months of FY2024, with gross operating revenue doubling from $2.13 billion in the previous year to $4.27 billion.

Gross profit rose by approximately 104% from $667 million to $1.36 billion. Operating profit has increased 136% from $195 million to $460 million, underlining good operational management and strategic execution. This was supported by notable non-recurring acquisition-related costs of approximately $77 million, reflecting our strategic investments for long-term growth. Additionally, administration, marketing, and selling expenses rose by 74.1%, from $472 million to $821 million, due to expanded operations.

Despite these costs, our Profit After Tax (PAT) for the nine months increased by 65.8% to $220 million.
This financial summary underscores Tropical Battery Company Limited’s year-to-date performance, which is marked by revenue growth, cost management, and profitability. This position puts the company on a solid path toward achieving its long-term financial targets.

The acquisitions of Rose Batteries and Kaya Energy have been instrumental in driving this impressive growth, reflecting the company’s strategic focus on expanding its market presence and enhancing its product offerings.

Industry Update

In 2024, the energy storage and renewable energy industries are witnessing noteworthy growth, driven by healthy investment, technological innovation, and strong policy support.

Energy Storage Industry

The energy storage sector is experiencing expansion, highlighted by a 3.56% increase in companies globally, totalling 13,900, and the addition of 114,000 new jobs, bringing the workforce to 1.7 million.

Investment remains vibrant, with an average funding round value of $84 million across over 5,230 rounds. Technological advancements are robust, with 31,700 patents filed focusing on battery technologies, supercapacitors, and grid storage systems. Notably, prices for lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems are expected to decrease, benefiting both the electric vehicle and stationary storage markets.

Renewable Energy Industry

The renewable energy sector is also expanding, with a 2.45% growth and an employment surge to 8.2 million globally. The industry sees substantial funding, with over 25,000 rounds recorded and significant technological advancements in modular electrolyser systems, distributed energy resource management, and advanced photovoltaics. Supportive policies and large infrastructure investments are enhancing grid resilience and accelerating the deployment of renewable technologies.

Both industries benefit from the involvement of major investors and a conducive regulatory environment, positioning them as key drivers in the global shift toward sustainable energy solutions.

Strategic Developments

Our strategic acquisitions have played a crucial role in our growth this quarter. The integration of Kaya Energy and Rose Batteries has expanded our market presence and brought in advanced technological capabilities and a wealth of expertise, increasing our team to 185 outstanding members.

We have seen significant improvements in operational efficiencies. Our cost management strategies have been instrumental in achieving higher gross profit and EBITDA margins. The seamless integration of our recent acquisitions has enhanced operational collaborations and efficiency, contributing to our overall positive financial performance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Operational efficiencies have seen significant improvements across the board. Our inventory turnover ratio improved from 2.5 to 3.5, and the cash conversion cycle was reduced significantly to 109 days from 148 days, highlighting our enhanced management of working capital.

ESG

Our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles remains strong. We completed essential regulatory compliances and continued our community engagement and environmental stewardship efforts. We collected and recycled significant amounts of plastic and participated in community-enriching activities, including beach clean-ups and educational support.

Our dedication to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement was evident this quarter through several vital achievements. We completed our Jamaica Ferry location’s statutory equipment inspection certification and submitted it to the Ministry of Labour. Additionally, we submitted the renewal application for our Factory Re-registration and successfully underwent a site inspection by the Ministry of Labour.

Our Public Procurement Certification was also renewed, enabling us to bid on government contracts. Our corporate social responsibility initiatives demonstrated our commitment to sustainability and community support. As part of our waste management program, we collected and recycled 166 pounds of plastic bottles, reducing environmental impact. We also collected and exported 203 metric tons of lead-acid spent batteries, filling ten 20-foot containers.

We also supported the Little Einsteins Learning Centre by sponsoring trophies and awards for their graduation ceremony.

Collaborating with Tropical Renewable Energy and the JPS Foundation, we participated in a beach clean-up exercise, underscoring our commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, we sponsored Labour Day projects, including a beautification project in Montego Bay and a tree-planting exercise at the Hydel Group of Schools.

Outlook

Looking forward, Tropical Battery Company Ltd. is set on maintaining a robust growth trajectory with a strategic focus on expanding our operations, optimising efficiency, and exploring new market opportunities. Our goal to achieve consistent double-digit revenue growth and elevate PAT above 10% by leveraging our group entities’ strengths and innovative technologies is more aligned than ever.

For More Information CLICK HERE

 

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Tropical Battery To Deleverage Balance Sheet Through APO, Enhance Financial Stability And Reduce Interest Costs.

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Alexander Melville Chief Executive Officer Tropical Battery Company Limited Has Released The Following Interim Report For 2nd Quarter 2024

Overview
Tropical Battery Company Limited experienced a remarkable period of growth in Q2 FY2024, marked by substantial revenue and gross profit increases. This success is primarily attributed to strategic acquisitions, including Rose Batteries in Silicon Valley, California, and Kaya Energy Group, acquired in Q3 FY2023.
The Rose Batteries team’s strength was further enhanced by adding key personnel, including Katey Daniel as the new Customer Success Manager and Noelle Machado as the Procurement Manager, who have made significant positive impacts. Wouter Potman, Rose’s recent Project Management hire, has also made substantial improvements in professionally documenting the status of the development pipeline, reinforcing the effectiveness of the project management strategies.
KAYA Energy successfully navigated public relations challenges and regulatory uncertainties in the renewable energy sector to close several vital deals north of $250 million for the quarter.

Financial Review
The statement of financial position as of March 31, 2024, illustrates a dynamic period of growth fuelled by strategic acquisitions and significant capital investments. The acquisition of substantial new assets and the expansion into new facilities have poised the company for continued success in its market sector. Moreover, the planned deleveraging through an Additional Public Offering indicates a proactive approach to managing increased debt levels, aiming to optimise the financial structure and enhance shareholder value. The overall economic health of Tropical Battery is robust, with strong liquidity and asset bases that provide a solid foundation for future growth and profitability.

Revenue and Gross Profit
During Q2 FY2024, Tropical Battery’s gross operating revenue increased, climbing from $700 million in Q2 FY2023 to $1.5 billion in the current fiscal year, representing a surge of approximately 121%. This significant rise is directly linked to the company’s recent acquisitions, which expanded its market presence and operational scale. The gross profit also reflected this positive trend, increasing from $223 million to $489 million, translating to a growth of 119%. These figures underscore the successful integration of the new acquisitions and suggest an effective management strategy for leveraging new assets to enhance overall profitability.

Expenses and Operating Profit
During the fiscal period, we witnessed notable increases in specific expense categories. Non-recurring acquisition-related costs amounted to $77 million, reflecting the one-time cost of the recent acquisitions. Additionally, administration, marketing, and selling expenses rose from $161 million to $305 million, an increase of 90%. This escalation is due to the expanded operations and the need to support a larger organisational structure post-acquisition.
Despite these increased outlays, operating profit improved significantly by 71%, from $62 million in Q2 FY2023 to $107 million in Q2 FY2024, indicating effective cost management relative to the increased revenue. Furthermore, if we add back the one-time nonrecurring acquisition-related cost of $77 million, the increase in operating profit would be significantly higher.

Finance Costs and Net Profit
Finance costs presented a challenge, escalating by 526% from $16 million to $102 million. This rise was partially offset by increased finance income, which increased from $11 million to $38 million. Net finance costs after adjustments stood at $64 million. These costs notably impacted profit before taxation, which decreased from $50 million to $27 million.

Strategic Financial Planning
Tropical Battery plans to deleverage its balance sheet through an Additional Public Offering (APO) to enhance financial stability and reduce interest costs. This offering is set to raise significant capital and pay down existing debt substantially, which is expected to lower interest costs moving forward and contribute positively to the company’s financial health.

Company Outlook
Tropical Battery Company Limited’s strategic financial decisions have dramatically transformed its landscape over the last six months. The investment in acquisitions and capital expenditures, supported by substantial financing activities, has set the stage for expanded operations and potential revenue growth.
To achieve greater cohesion across the markets we serve — Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the United States — we plan to capitalise on the synergies among Tropical Battery, Kaya Energy, and Rose Batteries. This strategy is designed to expand growth opportunities and realise cost efficiencies throughout the group. By synchronising our operations, strengthening our market presence, and leveraging our brand advantages, we aim to develop a unified group strategy that enhances efficiency and increases profitability.

Our approach includes thoroughly reviewing and integrating systems and processes to ensure smooth coordination among the three companies. This alignment is expected to enhance our return on capital employed, drawing on the combined strengths of these distinguished brands to foster growth, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional customer service.

The planned APO represents a proactive strategy to optimise the financial structure and support sustainable development. The strategic benefits of these acquisitions and financial strategies are expected to materialise over the coming periods, potentially leading to enhanced economic performance.

For More Information CLICK HERE

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Customised Smart Battery Industry Well-Positioned To Capitalise On Growing Shift Towards Cleaner Energy Solutions….Alexander Melville

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In the last three months, the ustomised smart battery industry has also made significant strides alongside the broader growth observed in the renewable energy and energy storage sectors. This niche within the energy storage market has been gaining momentum, fuelled by technological advancements and increased demand for personalised energy solutions that cater specifically to unique operational needs that benefit us.

The industry’s development is buoyed by the regulatory and financial frameworks propelling the renewable sector, particularly the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These acts have facilitated a surge in investments to enhance battery technology capabilities, including developing intelligent batteries that are more efficient, durable, and capable of interfacing with various digital management systems.

Customised intelligent batteries are increasingly critical components in integrating renewable energy systems. They offer optimised storage solutions that adapt to different scales and types of renewable energy installations. They are vital in applications requiring high reliability and efficiency, such as utility-scale solar and wind projects, where they help stabilise the grid and manage output variability.

Moreover, the drive towards domestic production emphasised by recent policy initiatives has strengthened the supply chain for intelligent battery components. This domestic focus not only aids in reducing logistic vulnerabilities but also supports the U.S. economy and job creation in the tech and manufacturing sectors. As more companies enter the smart battery market, competition is spurring innovation, leading to rapid advancements in battery technology that could further enhance the performance and cost-effectiveness of these systems.

Customised intelligent batteries are increasingly critical components in integrating renewable energy systems.

The customised smart battery industry is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing shift towards cleaner energy solutions. It will play a pivotal role in the green transition while continuing to evolve in response to technological advances and market demands.

Alexander Melville Chief Executive Officer Tropical Battery Company Limited

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Tropical Battery Acquires California-Based Rose Batteries

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Tropical Battery Company Limited (JSE:TROPICAL), a leader in innovative energy solutions, is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of Rose Electronics Distributing Company (Rose Batteries), based in San Jose, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Founded in 1963, Rose Batteries is a manufacturer of specialized batteries for high value industries requiring critical power, including healthcare and aerospace. The company has built a solid reputation for the customized design and assembly of highly reliable batteries providing essential power and charging solutions to a broad range of B2B customers.

The company’s strength lies in its ability to cater to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), offering customized solutions that supply continuous power in challenging environments. Rose’s approach in providing tailor-made contract manufacturing solutions has redefined industry standards and garnered a loyal customer base supporting stable, recurring revenue streams.

The acquisition of Rose Batteries represents a significant milestone in Tropical Battery’s strategy of diversification into new complementary product lines, market segments and geographies, and reaffirms the company’s commitment to technological innovation and growth in the global energy market. The acquisition was completed through Tropical’s US subsidiary Tropical Battery USA LLC. The purchase price is subject to strict non-disclosure restrictions, however the price significantly exceeds 50% of the market capitalisation of Tropical.

The integration of Rose Batteries into the Tropical Battery group of companies represents much more than simply an expansion into the world’s largest economy; it’s a significant step forward in boosting technological capabilities, innovation potential, and key financial indicators. The acquisition is projected to materially enhance Tropical Battery’s free cash flow, improve its cash conversion cycle, and increase the return on capital, thereby enhancing shareholder value and financial strength.

Rose CEO Itamar Frankenthal, an influential shareholder who has led the company since 2016, will join Tropical Battery as a shareholder and board member, continuing his focus on growth opportunities in the United States. His extensive experience, shaped by his Harvard MBA journey, along with his transformative leadership at Rose, underscores the expertise and visionary approach he will bring to the Tropical Battery group of companies. Rose COO Chris Wunderlich will become the new CEO of Rose Batteries, bringing a rich blend of experience in management, engineering, operations, and technology.

Following the acquisition of Dominican Republic-based KAYA Energy Group in 2023, and now, the acquisition of Rose, Tropical Battery will focus on integrating and harmonizing these three dynamic organizations to leverage synergies, optimize costs, and explore new growth opportunities across various markets.

“This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to transforming Tropical Battery into a multinational organization at the vanguard of innovative growth in emerging segments driving the transition to more sustainable energy solutions,” commented Tropical Battery Managing Director Alexander Melville.

“The integration of Rose Batteries will position the Tropical Battery group of companies to offer even greater value to our customers and stakeholders than ever before. We are reinvigorated by this next chapter in our growth and passionate about enabling a more sustainable, technologically driven future in the energy sector, while strengthening our financial performance with the support of pioneers in the Caribbean financial services ecosystem like Sygnus Capital, which served as lead arranger in this transaction.”

“Sygnus Capital’s partnership with Tropical Battery for this transformative acquisition reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive the growth of medium-sized businesses throughout the Caribbean,” noted Gregory Samuels, Senior Vice President & Head of Investment Banking at Sygnus Capital Limited. “We believe in empowering local companies to acquire overseas assets, thereby boosting our country’s foreign exchange inflows. This move aligns with our focus on impactful and sustainable investments, while also deepening our longstanding relationship with a valued client, namely Tropical Battery’s holding company, Diverze Assets. Together, we pave the way for growth, innovation, and financial resilience in the energy sector,” Samuels added.

About Tropical Battery Company

Established in 1950, Tropical Battery has become a household name in premium energy solutions in the Caribbean. Listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange in 2020, the company has diversified beyond its core car battery business into automotive care products, renewable energy and electric mobility as part of its transformation into a diversified energy group enabling sustainability with innovation, technology and exceptional service delivery.

About Rose Batteries

With over 60 years in business, Rose Batteries has emerged as a leading contract manufacturer of specialized batteries for high growth industries driving the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The company’s dedication to innovation and sustainable practices has positioned it as a vital partner across several sectors, including healthcare, robotics, aerospace and telecommunications.

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