Gotion Power Morocco announced on 12 October that equipment commissioning and startup would begin during the week of 20 October at its plant in Kenitra’s Atlantic Free Zone.
The company says construction of the cell plant’s buildings and infrastructure is complete. The first phase is designed for 20 gigawatt-hours of annual production capacity, a planned figure rather than current output.
The facility will manufacture lithium iron phosphate batteries, commonly known as LFP batteries, for customers in Morocco and elsewhere in Africa, alongside Europe, the Middle East and the United States.
According to TelQuel, which reported the company’s statement issued on 12 October, commissioning will open the way to industrial cell production. Gotion Power Morocco chairman Khalid Qalam had previously indicated that sales of assembled batteries were expected before the end of the year.
From investment plans to factory operations
The announcement gives a more precise timetable for a project whose first production line had already been expected to start in October.
Commissioning involves bringing equipment into operation and testing its performance before production can expand. It should not be confused with the factory immediately reaching its full annual capacity.
Gotion’s own project information puts first-phase investment at approximately $1.3 billion and identifies a planned capacity of 20 GWh.
The next commercial milestones will be consistent production, customer deliveries and the gradual increase in output.
Volkswagen adds a European connection
On 28 September, the companies announced plans for joint ventures in Spain, Slovakia and Morocco to expand production of LFP battery cells and cathode materials.
The proposed Kenitra joint venture will manufacture cathode material, a key battery component. Gotion will hold 51% and PowerCo 49%, with the partners managing the venture together.
That materials project is separate from the cell-production equipment scheduled for commissioning this month. Volkswagen’s announcement did not establish an October startup date for the cathode facility.
Morocco is attracting investment in both finished battery cells and the materials needed to manufacture them.
Why Morocco matters to the supply chain
Volkswagen says its partnership with Gotion is intended to diversify supplies and strengthen Europe’s battery industry.
LFP technology offers relatively competitive costs, a long service life and durability, making it attractive for more affordable electric vehicles and energy-storage systems. The companies see expanding European demand as an opportunity for their production network.
For Morocco, the investment provides an opportunity to move further into battery manufacturing while serving markets beyond its borders.
Its financing documents describe an initial 10 GWh project, whereas Gotion’s broader first-phase description puts capacity at 20 GWh.
Source: africa.businessinsider.com
