German lithium-sulfur battery innovator theion has officially expanded into the Gulf region with the opening of a new office in Dubai. This strategic move aims to introduce theion’s cutting-edge battery technology to a market deeply committed to energy innovation and sustainability.
theion’s lithium-sulfur batteries represent a significant departure from conventional lithium-ion batteries. By utilising sulfur—a widely available industrial byproduct, particularly in the Gulf region’s oil industry—theion is turning waste into value. This approach not only reduces the environmental and societal impact associated with mining traditional materials like cobalt, manganese, and nickel, but also slashes costs.
Sulfur, costing just AED 1 per kilogram compared to AED 100 for conventional battery materials, enables theion to offer highly competitive pricing while targeting a three-fold increase in energy density, positioning the company to disrupt the global battery market.
The Dubai office is set to play a key role in driving regional partnerships and contributing to the Gulf’s energy transition. Theion’s presence in the UAE will enable it to collaborate closely with industry leaders, academia, and governmental authorities across the Gulf states, reinforcing the region’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
Dr Ulrich Ehmes, Chief Executive Officer of theion, remarked on the expansion: “Opening an office in the UAE is the logical next step in our expansion to the Gulf region. Not only is the energy transition a central focus of the Gulf states, but the business environment is excellent; regional economies continue to grow as well as talents and resources are being available. Here in the Gulf, we see a compelling vision for the future, the drive to make that vision a reality, and sulfur in abundance.”
Theion’s involvement in the Gulf region was catalysed by its participation in GITEX Global and the Bloomberg conference at COP28 in late 2023, where the team immersed itself in the region’s energy landscape, engaging with key stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. With the opening of the Dubai office, theion is now ideally positioned to build on these foundations, advancing its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Matthias Fengler, Chief Financial Officer of theion and Managing Director for theion Middle East, added: “We are excited to extend our global footprint by opening an office in Dubai, a hub for our engagement in the Gulf region. Our highly innovative sulfur-based battery technology is a perfect fit for the region, since sulfur is widely and readily available here. We are confident that we can significantly contribute to building a sustainable and innovative energy ecosystem supporting the energy transition in the Gulf region.”
One of the latest advancements in theion’s battery technology is a durable, lightweight anode that enables over 2,000 charging and discharging cycles, validated by one of Germany’s leading research institutes. From its new base in Dubai, theion plans to collaborate with universities on Research and Development, work with industry partners to streamline sourcing, and scale cell production in alignment with leading corporations. By accelerating battery innovation from the Gulf, theion aims to foster talent growth, create jobs, and play a pivotal role in making the energy transition a reality.
