KORE Power Announces ~$75M First Close of $150M Investment Round with Siemens as Lead Investor and Joined by Quanta Services
Capital raise is milestone for construction of KOREPlex, a lithium-ion battery cell gigafactory scheduled to break ground in Arizona in Q4 2022
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, November 30th, 2022 – KORE Power, Inc. (“KORE”) has closed the initial $75 million tranche of a private placement (the “Financing”) anticipated to total $150 million. Siemens Financial Services was the lead investor and was joined by Quanta Services with additional strategic partners including Nidec Motor Corporation, Honeywell Ventures, Trog Hawley Capital and a leading utility scale energy storage provider. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as KORE’s Exclusive Placement Agent.
KORE is a leading U.S.-based developer of lithium-ion battery cells and manufacturer of integrated solutions for the e-mobility and energy storage sectors. KORE intends to use the proceeds of the Financing to commence the construction of its KOREPlex gigafactory in the Phoenix area and to purchase long lead-time items required for construction of the facility. The KOREPlex is expected to have initial annual production capacity of 6 GWh of high-density lithium-ion cells. Production is expected to expand to 12 GWh and beyond to meet expected market demand. The KOREPlex will also be among the first U.S. battery cell gigafactory built independently of an automotive OEM. This independence will allow the KOREPlex to supply batteries to a wide range of innovative e-mobility and energy storage customers. KORE will break ground on the KOREPlex this year, with initial output beginning in late 2024.
“Siemens Financial Services is proud to be the lead investor committed to backing KORE with both our capital and know-how. We support the industries and create the infrastructure forming the backbone of the American economy and apply that same commitment to the development of the battery industry in the U.S.," said Steffen Grosse, CEO of Equity Finance, Siemens Financial Services. "KORE's focus on manufacturing and vital industries such as energy storage, transportation electrification and grid modernization align with the strategic direction of SFS’ investments in the U.S. to date."
Earlier this year, BloombergNEF forecast a 30% compound annual growth rate in the energy storage market. Similarly, electrification in the mobility sector, which includes electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, is experiencing rapid growth. According to BloombergNEF, as of July, global electric vehicle sales were up more than 60% year-over-year.
Demand for KORE’s domestically manufactured batteries is expected to further increase due to the domestic content required to fully maximize the energy storage investment tax credit available under the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act.
“Strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities for battery cells will be critical to the transformation and build out of energy infrastructure in the United States,” said Andrew Schwaitzberg, leader of energy transition initiatives at Quanta Services. “We are excited to invest and partner alongside leading energy innovators who also understand the importance of building and supporting a robust domestic supply chain. We expect our strategic alliance with KORE to enhance Quanta’s ability to deliver comprehensive energy solutions in partnership with our customers.”
Since last year’s announcement that the KOREPlex would be built in Arizona, KORE has announced a series of agreements to secure U.S. supply of materials used in battery cell manufacturing. KORE has also launched a vertically integrated energy storage solutions provider based in Vermont known as KORE Solutions.
“As a U.S.-based manufacturer with the ability to supply top-tier lithium-ion cells, the KOREPlex will take us to the next level. We will have American workers and an American supply chain driving the growth of clean energy and vehicle electrification,” said Lindsay Gorrill, CEO and Co-Founder of KORE Power. “In the coming months, we expect to announce additional agreements demonstrating our commitment to building a domestic supply chain for the KOREPlex and embracing a circular lifecycle for our products.”
About Siemens Financial Services
Siemens Financial Services (SFS) – the B2B financing arm of Siemens – provides financing that makes a difference. At SFS, we empower customers around the globe to access technology with purpose and increase their competitiveness. Based on our unique combination of financial expertise, risk management and industry know-how we provide tailored financing solutions – including flexible leasing and working capital products, project- related and structured financing, corporate lending, equity investments, finance advisory, as well as trade and receivables financing. With highly experienced and passionate teams in 20+ countries, SFS paves the way for industrial productivity, smart infrastructure and sustainable mobility, facilitating the energy transition and enabling high-quality healthcare. Supporting the Siemens DEGREE framework, SFS is one of the leading providers in financing greenfield renewable projects. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/finance.
About Quanta Services
Quanta Services, Inc. is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline, and energy industries. Quanta's comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com.
About KORE Power:
KORE Power, Inc. (KORE) is headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with operations in Waterbury, Vermont, and Buckeye, Arizona. KORE is the leading U.S.-based developer of battery cell technology for the clean energy industry. With clients in energy storage, e-mobility, utility, industrial and mission-critical markets, KORE Power provides the backbone for decarbonization across the globe. As the first U.S.-based, American-owned, and fully integrated provider of cells, batteries, and solutions, KORE is uniquely positioned to serve these markets. Through the construction and operations of its large-scale battery cell manufacturing facility in the U.S., KORE is positioned to operate at 12 GWh per year capacity. The facility (the “KOREPlex”) will operate with net-zero carbon emissions through strategic partnerships and solar and storage co-generation.
KORE Power’s differentiated approach provides customers with direct access, unparalleled service, superior technology, and Tier 1 product availability. Focused on building sustainable communities, clean energy jobs, and green economic expansion, KORE Power is proud to offer a functional solution to real-world problems and fulfill market demand to deliver a zero-carbon future. The KOREPlex is expected to come to Buckeye, Arizona, and be the anchor to the development of the Sustainable Valley by the end of 2024. For more information, visit www.korepower.com.
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