A Green Revolution in the Alentejo, the World's First Solar Panel and Lithium Battery Factory

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy solutions, LuxOEnergy has inaugurated the world’s first factory simultaneously producing flexible photovoltaic panels and lithium batteries in the serene town of Moura, nestled in the Portuguese district of Beja. This cutting-edge venture, backed by a €5 million investment, marks a significant stride in the renewable energy landscape.

LuxOEnergy, co-founded and managed by Miguel Matias, commenced operations at the end of the previous year, hiring 15 skilled individuals to kickstart the innovative production. Speaking with enthusiasm, Matias shared with the Lusa news agency that their factory has achieved a milestone by establishing the world’s first hybrid solar panel and battery manufacturing facility, securing European patents and setting the stage for the development of revolutionary products.

The LuxOEnergy unit, supported by the Alentejo 2020 regional program, occupies the premises of the former Moura solar factory (MSF), which shuttered its operations in January 2019. The birth of LuxOEnergy in August of the same year resulted from a strategic partnership between the Portuguese Lux group and Miguel Matias.

Matias, an industry veteran with 25 years of experience in the energy sector, expressed that the project aimed to create an entirely innovative unit "from scratch." Years of meticulous market research paved the way for finding the right technological partners, with Austrian company DAS Energy collaborating on the solar aspect and Swedish company Anodox on the battery front.

The flexible and lightweight technology of the photovoltaic panels being produced in Moura is hailed as a game-changer. According to Matias, they possess the same power, capacity, and efficiency as traditional panels but are ten times lighter. This characteristic allows for installation in previously impractical locations, such as on top of buildings, football stadiums, train stations, or even on trains and lorries.

LuxOEnergy's emphasis on battery production is strategic, aiming to address the growing need for energy storage, whether for charging electric vehicles or supporting photovoltaic solar power plants. Additionally, the prospect of lithium extraction in Portugal motivated the company to start building the value chain, ensuring that when lithium is extracted, it can be applied directly, avoiding the sale of raw materials.

Beyond its production endeavors, LuxOEnergy is actively engaged in the mobilizing agenda funded by the Plan for Recovery and Resilience (PRR), contributing to the development of Portugal's battery cluster. Ongoing projects in the region, including those at Évora’s Alentejo Science and Technology Park (PACT) and collaboration with a renewable energy community in Évora, reflect the company's commitment to fostering sustainable practices.

The factory in Moura not only signifies a leap towards greener energy solutions but also stands as a beacon for employment. All 15 employees were retained from the old MSF factory, ensuring the preservation of valuable knowledge. Looking ahead, LuxOEnergy plans to scale its workforce to around 40 employees over the next two years, reflecting its optimistic outlook and anticipated demand.

LuxOEnergy is set to make its mark not only in Portugal but also eyes Spain, Portuguese-speaking African countries, and Brazil as potential export markets for these groundbreaking technologies. As the world takes a leap into a greener future, LuxOEnergy is at the forefront, pioneering innovation and sustainable energy solutions