The ambitions of Duan van ’t Slot, founder and CEO of Volstora, are clear. He wants his company to achieve the same status as ASML within a few years. He is convinced that Volstora, as a supplier of battery systems, can make a major contribution to the energy transition.
Duan van ’t Slot, who was born in South Africa, is an electrical engineer. “I’ve always worked with batteries and I’m convinced that’s the future. But I became frustrated with the quality of imported batteries. That’s why I set up Volstora in 2021. We want to create better, future-proof battery systems.”
Duan van ’t Slot
Taking them apart
He explains more about the frustration he felt. “We were buying dangerous, expensive batteries from abroad. The cooling wasn’t properly managed: the batteries got too hot, which meant they didn’t last as long. Reducing pollution wasn’t a priority either. That’s why we started building batteries that can be cooled more effectively, last longer and are easy to take apart and recycle. We don’t want batteries that only last five years, but at least fifteen to twenty years.”
As he said, the batteries can be taken apart. They aren’t welded shut, but consist of different modules. “If they break down, they must be repairable, rather than having to buy a new one straight away. Only then can we make a significant contribution to the energy transition.”
Volstora is more than just a battery supplier, Van ’t Slot explains. “We look at the whole system, the entire infrastructure. What cables are needed? And how do we connect everything using the right software? I see software as the conductor of an orchestra. It prevents chaos from setting in. Components such as solar panels, charging points, cooling systems and batteries need to come together within a single, simple software solution. We build that ourselves, with our own developers, on our own platform. You also have to ensure protection against cyber-attacks. Twenty years ago, there was no internet access to a power station. Now there is. You have to prevent hackers from bringing companies to a standstill.”
A reliable partner
More and more large companies, such as DHL and Shell, are choosing Volstora. Van ’t Slot explains why this is happening. “They want a reliable partner. If their forklift truck breaks down, someone comes round within a few hours to fix it. That’s how it should be with batteries too. We make sure of that. We can repair batteries on site. We also build bespoke systems for businesses. We want to be a long-term energy partner. It’s unclear what requirements businesses will face in the near future as a result of the energy transition. As a partner, we help them achieve their goals, whatever challenges they may face.”
He also sees plenty of opportunities for grid operators. “They’re struggling to keep the grid reliable and efficient now that millions of devices can supply and want to use energy. Batteries can resolve the mismatch between supply and demand by storing surplus supply, which can be used when there’s a peak in demand.”
That’s how Volstora’s customers use the batteries too. Take DHL, for example. “They have zero-emission delivery vans, which means there’s greater demand for energy. That’s why they’ve fitted their building with solar panels. But they can’t charge their vans during the day, as they’re out making deliveries. So they’re now using a large 1 MWh battery to store energy during the day. That’s a relatively simple but important solution.”
“Another customer, a bakery, was unable to expand due to grid congestion,” he continues. “The grid operator told them they wouldn’t be able to get another connection for the next eight years. A battery now provides an extra boost of energy when they switch on the machines in the morning. This applies to many of our customers – from Shell to a mushroom grower, and from pig farmers to water boards.”
Creating an ecosystem
Van ’t Slot attaches great importance to regional cooperation.
"Lifeport can connect companies and create an ecosystem. I myself also really enjoy doing business with companies that are close by. That way we can really create an economic hub. There are many interesting companies here."
Despite the great opportunities offered by the energy transition, several energy companies are struggling. Some have already collapsed. Volstora, meanwhile, is growing: it now has 25 employees. If it is up to Van 't Slot, that is just the beginning. His ambitions for the future are big. "We want to become the biggest and best battery supplier in Europe and sell our technology and knowledge to other European countries. We want to be a leader, like ASML is in their field."
