Vanadis Energy Accelerates Saudi Market Entry with Battery Pilots in Oil Refineries

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA, AND GUESSING, AUSTRIA: 5 MAY 2025 – Vanadis Energy announced a significant step forward in its Middle East expansion strategy as its Austrian subsidiary, Ewig Macht Plus (EM Plus) GmbH, has been selected as one of only 10 global startups invited to join the prestigious ScaleX program, powered by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This achievement directly supports Vanadis Energy’s planned production and deployment of vanadium solid-state batteries within oil refinery and petrochemical environments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Selected under the program’s “Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies” vertical, EM Plus’ participation positions Vanadis Energy strategically within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly advancing innovation and industrial transformation landscape. Vanadis Energy’s battery technology will contribute to the Kingdom’s objectives of strengthening energy efficiency, grid resilience, operational safety, and low-carbon performance across its strategic industrial sectors.

ScaleX Program Participation

The eight-month ScaleX program consists of an online boot-camp, an intensive multi-week in-country immersion phase in Saudi Arabia, and a five-month Orbiting Phase that provides continued strategic support. As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) develops a tailored engagement pathway to support the introduction and development of vanadium solid-state battery technology in the Kingdom. This includes facilitating introductions to key government and industry stakeholders, supporting on regulatory and market readiness, and providing guidance on commercialization.

“Being connected to the KAUST ScaleX ecosystem is pivotal for our company’s global growth strategy plans. The program gives us access to strategic networks in the Middle East and accelerates our ability to bring vanadium solid-state battery energy storage solutions to Saudi Arabia and the broader region,” said Atanas Zhelev, Chief Commercial Officer of Vanadis Energy.

Battery Deployment in Oil Refinery Operations

Saudi Arabia continues to bring in, test and scale breakthrough technologies as part of its national innovation and energy transition agenda. Vanadis Energy’s vanadium solid-state batteries offer high stability, fast charging capability, long service life, and inherent non-flammability, making them particularly well suited for demanding industrial applications, such as oil refining and petrochemical facilities where operational resilience, reliability and safety are critical.

As part of ScaleX-supported expansion, Vanadis Energy is preparing the launch of a joint pilot project with Saudi Aramco and an energy industrial partner to integrate vanadium solid-state batteries into refinery operations. The company also plans to establish business operations in Saudi Arabia in 2026 and set up a pilot battery assembly line at KAUST.

“We are excited to consider vanadium solid-state batteries for the Kingdom. The technology has demonstrated promising results and is a strong fit for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 industrial operations. We see a clear opportunity here to enable local manufacturing and supply of next-generation battery technologies,” said Abdulrahman Basaqr, Partnerships and Developmental Programs Lead of KAUST’s ScaleX Program.

EM Plus’ participation in ScaleX provides Vanadis Energy with access to KAUST’s deeptech ecosystem and Saudi Arabia’s industrial innovation landscape. This foundation supports the company’s ambition to become a leading provider of reliable energy storage solutions for critical infrastructure and demanding industrial applications in the Middle East.

About KAUST ScaleX

Powered by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, KAUST ScaleX is a soft-landing program that provides specialized support for innovative tech visionary startups from around the globe. This program is open to global tech startups who wish to scale their ventures and innovations into Saudi Arabia’s dynamic market. ScaleX offers strategic support, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and exclusive networking opportunities with Saudi Arabia’s leading government and corporate partners. Through this launchpad program, participating startups receive comprehensive support to incorporate, expand and build impactful partnerships across Saudi Arabia and the world.

About Vanadis Energy

Vanadis Energy is a next-generation battery technology company specializing in vanadium-based solid-state energy storage systems for grid-scale, industrial, and renewable energy applications. Formerly known as MK Plus, the company rebranded to reflect its focus on durable, fire-safe, and long-life energy infrastructure. With R&D and pilot manufacturing operations in Japan and Europe, Vanadis Energy is committed to enabling stable, scalable renewable energy worldwide.

For more information, please contact:

Rainer Svacinka

rainer.svacinka@emplus.at