The U.S.-based developer of battery cell technology has announced that Saroj K. Sahu, Ph.D., joined KORE Power, Inc. as chief operations officer. One of Sahu’s key focus areas will be leading the effort to build the U.S.’ first lithium-ion production facility, to help ensure a reliable and independent domestic U.S. supply chain for clean energy storage.
Dr. Sahu founded and served as the Chief Technology Officer for Deeya Energy from 2005 to 2011, where he led the development of flow batteries. Most recently, Sahu served as COO at Xnrgi, Inc., where he managed the research and development of a novel silicon anode technology and operationalized a world-class battery pack manufacturing plant in India that is starting to produce 240 MWh/year of battery systems. Prior to Xnrgi, Sahu led several battery initiatives for Apple.
“KORE Power is the only domestic manufacturer of mobility and energy storage batteries and with his vision and unmatched experience, Saroj is the perfect person to lead our manufacturing efforts,” said Lindsay Gorrill, KORE Power CEO. “With 30 years of proven experience successfully developing and deploying battery cell technology and sourcing materials, more than 40 patents, he brings a creative, cutting-edge approach to everything he does. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Saroj to the team.”
KORE Power is the only new cell developer that commissioned a new production facility in 2020, with current annual production capacity at 2 GWh growing to 6 GWh.
KORE Power has completed all the key safety certifications and testing required to deploy its energy storage solutions. In fact, KORE Power is one of only two NMC cell manufacturers that has successfully completed UL 9540A Module and Unit Level Testing, without the use of external sprinkler systems. KORE Power engaged third-party test labs to validate its Mark 1 solution; The Battery Innovation Center (BIC) tested the modules up to 1.0C with very positive results, and Novonix Battery Testing Services Inc. to evaluate the cells effectiveness and predict life expectancy. The results indicated that KORE Power’s battery cells have higher columbic efficiency, less likely to have undesired reactions, than the battery cells of other manufacturers.
“Lindsay and the team are inventive, nimble, and have proven, safe technology that’s well-positioned to transform the market,” said Sahu. “The world is ready and so are we.”
The company’s planned U.S. manufacturing project will be able to accommodate up to 12 GWh annually and operate with net-zero carbon emissions through strategic partnerships and solar and storage co-generation.
KORE Power plans to employ more than 3,000 full-time personnel at the facility, which will generate upwards of an estimated 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. The company is reviewing three potential sites for its U.S. production facility and plans to announce the site for its U.S. manufacturing facility in summer 2021.
About KORE Power
Based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, KORE Power, Inc., is a leading US-based developer of tier 1 battery cell technology for the energy storage and clean energy industries. Powering the clean energy transition by serving global utility, industrial and mission-critical markets.
KORE Power designs and manufactures the industry-leading 1500V Energy Storage System. Developed to lower installation and operation costs with higher efficiency, the Mark 1 includes proprietary NMC cells and modules, with innovative safety features, managed and optimized by the Mark 1 BMS.
KORE Power serves the growing demand for applications such as replacing fossil fuel peaker plants, wind and solar plus storage projects, microgrid optimization, behind-the-meter C&I, e-mobility, mining energy solutions and the military.