MOPO secures £1 million for MOPOMax roll out

A Sheffield-based clean energy firm is expanding its impact in Africa with new funding.

MOPO has secured £1 million in funding via Innovate UK, on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), to grow its pay-per-use battery rental model in Nigeria.

The business is one of six companies selected to receive part of £4.84 million in funding through the ZE-Gen Demonstrators programme, as part of the UK Government’s £1 billion Ayrton Fund.

MOPO’s technology provides affordable and renewable electricity access in areas with unreliable or limited power infrastructure. 

Its two battery models – MOPO50 and the larger MOPOMax – allow families and businesses to rent and swap batteries at solar-powered hubs, replacing petrol generators and powering tools such as e-motorbike taxis.

Operated through a network of community agents, MOPO’s model removes the need for upfront investment and offers a cost-effective, cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.

Bosses say the funding will fast-track the rollout of MOPOMax, designed to power larger household appliances and business equipment.

They add that the investment will fuel MOPO’s international growth, while cutting reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening energy security across African communities.

Chris Longbottom, chief executive of MOP, said: “Our innovative pay-per-use battery rental model continues to be recognised as a high-impact solution for delivering affordable, sustainable energy across Africa. 

“Access to energy is fundamental to economic growth, and MOPO empowers households and small businesses by providing electricity without the burden of high upfront equipment costs.

“We are already facilitating over one million rentals per month, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with ZE-Gen to finance the further expansion of our MOPOMax generator-replacement business in Nigeria, one of our key markets. 

“Together, we’re making clean, affordable energy accessible to those who need it most, while fostering long-term growth in the communities we serve.”

Dr James Coombes O’Brien, ZE-Gen lead at Innovate UK, added: “Taking innovations out of the lab and demonstrating how cutting-edge technology can create clean energy in real world situations in place of fossil fuel generators is something we’re delighted ZE-Gen can bring to life. 

“By being a ZE-Gen Demonstrator, MOPO is joining a leading international programme and contributing to ZE-Gen’s collaborative work to benefit people and boost economic growth in the UK and internationally.”

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