Business & Technology
PowerUp completes battery-swapping energy pilot in Nigeria
SOFIAH NICHOLE SALIVIO
News Editor
PowerUp has completed a battery-swapping energy pilot in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, backed by the UK’s Ayrton Fund.
The Doncaster-based start-up used its Battery Energy Distribution System to deliver electricity by transporting charged batteries to end users and returning depleted units for recharging.
The pilot was part of ZEBRAS, or Zero-carbon Energy Battery Resource-as-a-Service, one of six international demonstrator projects supported by more than £4.85 million in Ayrton Fund backing from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Under the model, batteries are charged at renewable energy hubs, loaded onto electric delivery vehicles and taken directly to homes, communities and businesses without dependable access to grid electricity. They are then swapped out and returned for recharging, creating what PowerUp described as a closed-loop service.
How It Works
The demonstration combined swappable lithium-ion batteries, renewable charging infrastructure, electric vehicles and an AI-based monitoring platform. The project was led by MEP Technologies and involved Nevadic, The Washing Machine Project, Skrum and PowerUp.
The initiative targets areas where diesel and petrol generators still fill gaps left by weak or absent electricity networks. These generators remain widely used across emerging economies despite fuel costs, air pollution and maintenance demands.
According to figures cited by PowerUp, around 1.5 billion people globally do not have reliable access to electricity. More than 25 million fossil fuel generators also remain in operation across emerging markets.
The Port Harcourt deployment offers an example of an alternative model in which electricity is moved physically rather than through fixed wires. The approach could appeal in remote areas, on constrained networks and in places where extending conventional grid infrastructure is too costly or too slow.
UK Backing
The project also reflects UK government support for clean energy systems that can be deployed outside Britain. The Ayrton Fund brings together official development assistance spending on clean energy research, development and demonstration across several government departments.
Founded in 2021, PowerUp focuses on off-grid energy delivery. It uses commercially available technology to move electricity from places where it can be generated and stored to places where supply is limited.
Its work to date has focused on construction sites, infrastructure operators and industrial users facing grid constraints, but the Nigeria pilot shows broader potential for community energy access.
David Collinson, Co-founder of PowerUp Off-Grid Services, said the project was designed to show that energy does not have to remain fixed to where it is generated.
He said: “The Ayrton Fund has enabled this project to demonstrate that energy does not have to remain fixed to where it is generated. By physically moving stored clean energy to where it is needed most, we can help support communities and businesses that cannot rely on traditional grid infrastructure. For decades, fuel has been physically delivered to places pipelines and wires cannot reach. We believe clean electricity must now do the same.”
The broader ZE-Gen programme is designed to test practical routes for reducing dependence on fossil fuel generation in underserved regions. The Nigeria demonstrator adds to evidence for battery-swapping systems as a possible way to supply power where conventional grid expansion is difficult.
Lily Beadle, Programme Director, ZE-Gen, said: “ZEBRAS highlights the strength of UK clean energy innovation and international collaboration, with British companies creating collaborative international partnerships to develop practical, scalable solutions that address real-world energy challenges while supporting the global transition to affordable, reliable and modern energy.”
The popular shopping centre in Oxford’s Queen Street already has an exciting mix of shops on offer, from first-class dining options to familiar high street favourites and world-renowned brands.
Now, the Westgate has welcomed the latest addition to its retail offering, as David Clulow opticians opened on Friday, June 26.
READ MORE: All train lines closed out of Oxford for works from tonight
The eye health specialist store showcases the brand’s modernised retail format, with state-of-the-art testing rooms and improved accessibility.
It’s broad product range also includes designer frames from the likes of Chanel, Prada and Ray-Ban.
The store is the latest edition to David Clulow’s store collection which is hosted in nearly 30 cities and shopping centres across the UK.
The introduction of the new shop is the latest in a long line of recent Westgate comings and goings in recent months.
Shoe chain Russell & Bromley has departed its ground-floor store, leaving the unit empty, after the brand fell into administration.
READ MORE: Abingdon police seek to identify man who ‘frequents’ park
Similarly, Claire’s has also closed at the Westgate after the beauty and accessory brand also collapsed into administration.
Last month, the new Lego store opened on the ground floor of the centre, welcoming queues of shoppers at its grand opening event.
Oliver Bonas also recently moved from its home on the ground floor to a much larger unit on the middle floor, near the Queen Street and Bonn Square entrance.
The scheme, designed to support attendance at Armed Forces Day events, will be in effect across the UK on June 27 and June 28.
It applies to all Stagecoach services except those operated by Megabus, Transport for London and the Bee Network.
To access free travel, serving military should wear uniform or present a valid military ID card, and veterans should present a veteran’s badge or military medal.
Martin Gibbon, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “Our Armed Forces have given so much to protect our country, and offering free travel over this weekend is just a small gesture of our immense gratitude.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for our service people, past and present, to attend local events and celebrate with their communities.”
Stagecoach’s ongoing support for the military community includes similar free travel schemes on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.
The company’s Veterans Network also offers a platform for veterans and service families within the business to connect and shape a more supportive workplace.
Stagecoach was awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award in 2024 in recognition of its commitment to supporting the military community.
Mr Gibbon said: “Through our Veterans Network, we are dedicated to ensuring Stagecoach remains a deeply supportive environment for the military community, both as passengers and as valued colleagues.”
Stagecoach has backed the Armed Forces Covenant since 2015.
Banbury-based Prodrive has joined forces with the British Motorsports Marshals Club (BMMC) in a new three-year partnership to back the more than 3,000 marshals represented by the BMMC.
Easily recognised by their trademark orange overalls, marshals play a critical role in the safe operation of racing events across circuits, rally stages, and hill climbs throughout the UK.
David Richards, chairman of Prodrive, said: “Motorsport simply wouldn’t happen without marshals.
“They are the backbone of our sport, giving their time, commitment and passion to ensure events run safely and successfully.”
The partnership will focus on raising awareness of the marshals’ work using the idea of ‘British Racing Orange’ and aims to strengthen the connection between the sport and its volunteer workforce.
It will also support the BMMC’s efforts to recruit, train, and equip new and existing marshals.
Chris Hobson, chair of the BMMC, said: “Marshals are one of the most visible and vital parts of motorsport.
“Our partnership with Prodrive will help us continue training and equipping marshals, helping them stay safe every time they are trackside.
“By working together, we can inspire more people to discover marshalling and join the BMMC.”
While Prodrive’s factory programmes compete globally across disciplines including endurance racing, rally-raid and beyond, the company remains deeply connected to the UK motorsport ecosystem and the marshal community that supports it.
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