SEVA - IKIGAI ENERGY CO. LTD

Our Status Quo Innovations

Integrated Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBS) with Hydrogen Generator

With increasing concerns over lithium availability and cost, sodium-ion batteries have emerged as a viable alternative. Sodium, being more abundant and cost-effective than lithium, offers a sustainable solution for large-scale energy storage, particularly for grid applications.

We're excited to share that we're developing an innovative solution that combines Sodium-ion Battery (SIB) storage with a modular green hydrogen generator. This aims to optimise energy storage for rooftop solar homes! Currently, Australian homes produce 30gw of energy, and we're looking forward to seeing this grow to 70gw by 2030. This incredible growth plays a vital role in achieving zero-emission targets and helping to phase out fossil fuel and gas usage in our homes.
Our proprietary SIB storage system, developed in collaboration with USA patent technology, is a solid rechargeable battery utilising hard carbon as the anode material, a sodium ion-based cathode, and a sodium ion-based electrolyte.

Integrating hydrogen energy generators works wonderfully alongside solar production, especially during those times when output dips. This smart move helps lessen our dependence on grid energy, making us all a bit more resilient. It's a great way to tackle the challenges of blackouts and current energy crises while also stabilising those sometimes unpredictable energy prices. This is especially important for Australia and Indo-Pacific nations, where many folks are feeling the pinch of rising energy costs and the stress that comes with generational energy challenges.

Fully vertically integrated manufacturing and assembling  facilities

Vertically integrated manufacturing and assembling facilities are critical to address crucial supply chain issues and ensure unparalleled product quality. This strategic approach empowers us to control costs, optimize delivery, and create an exceptional customer experience that sets us apart in the market.

Our state-of-the-art facilities, in collaboration with the USA organisation, are strategically located in Australia and select Indo-Pacific nations, positioning us at the forefront of regional manufacturing excellence.

We are committed to substantial capital expenditure, leveraging cutting-edge AI modelling and advanced robotics to revolutionise our production processes. This high-tech approach not only ensures precision and efficiency but also allows us to scale our operations across the Indo-Pacific region seamlessly.

We believe investing in technology is not just beneficial – it's imperative. By embracing innovation from the outset, we're not only managing risks effectively but also setting new industry standards. Our workforce will comprise highly skilled professionals, and we're dedicated to upskilling talent in the nations where we operate, fostering local expertise and driving economic growth.

We're proud to lead the charge in effective ESG management, eschewing the exploitation of low-cost manual labour. Instead, we're creating a sustainable, ethical manufacturing model that respects both our workforce and the environment. Our commitment to responsible governance, driven by top management, will inspire industry-wide change and set a new benchmark for corporate responsibility.

Transition to Clean Renewable Energy

To make the exciting switch to clean, renewable energy and to lower CO2 emissions, Australia and the nations of the Indo-Pacific might want to explore individual ownership approaches along with supportive policies. These thoughtful strategies can help tackle the unique challenges each region faces and speed up the journey towards sustainable energy solutions.

Case Study 1: Household

Mike and Laura, two dedicated retirees living in beautiful Victoria, are passionate advocates for zero emissions and decarbonisation. They have made impressive strides by adopting electric vehicle technology and harnessing the sun's energy through rooftop solar installations on their home. However, despite their incredible efforts, they are finding their way through a challenging and complex energy landscape.

The latest AEMO Quarterly report for December 2024 reveals some concerning trends: wholesale spot prices have surged by an eye-watering 83% compared to last year, while gas prices have risen by 13.3%. Even with their rooftop solar setup and active participation in the National Electricity Market (NEM), Mike and Laura have felt the impact of these significant price hikes, particularly during the scorching summer holiday season.

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has shared that electricity prices under the Default Market Offer (DMO) for 2025-26 are expected to increase by anywhere from 2.5% to 8.9% for residential customers, depending on their region, compared to 2024-25. Small businesses might see increases ranging from 4.2% to 8.2%. The rise in extreme weather events has prompted the AER to provide additional guidance aimed at enhancing network resilience. This situation adds to the ongoing concerns about cost-of-living pressures for households and small businesses.

Battery storage for solar energy offers exciting possibilities, yet the high initial investment and installation expenses can often seem daunting compared to the potential savings. Electrification presents another avenue to explore, but it brings along its own challenges. The significant upfront costs, the risk of overloading the grid, and concerns about blackouts during peak demand times can make this option feel a bit overwhelming.

The government's significant investment in renewable energy is commendable; still, many integrations seem to rely on time. A proposed new combination of nuclear energy, despite its potential, is expected to increase costs further. Laura and Mike grapple with important questions shared by many: Will their energy bills ever go down? Are their efforts genuinely making a significant impact on decarbonization and CO2 reduction?

Climate change has greatly impacted their retirement choices. The increasing incidence of floods and storms in specific regions has rendered homes uninsurable and made vacation planning uncertain. Recent events, like the unforeseen winter bushfires in Los Angeles and flooding in Bali, have intensified their worries about travel and the global implications of climate change.

Indo Pacific Nations 

Laura and Mike's concerns touch the hearts of many throughout the Indo-Pacific nations. They face important questions that affect us all: Is rooftop solar and battery storage really within our reach financially? Are we making meaningful progress in cutting down carbon emissions? Can governments help cover the costs of this transition, or will the weight of climate change impacts rest heavily on the people?

Case Study 2: Government schools

Electricity bills for schools in Victoria have seen a dramatic increase of up to 180% since last year, with the average climb surpassing 60%. This rise stems from factors like the carbon tax, unexpected hikes in retailer charges, and escalating distribution costs. The Victorian Principals Association has pointed out that government funding is struggling to keep up with these rising expenses, putting pressure on budgets in other important areas of schools. For instance, Cambridge Primary School has almost doubled its electricity bills even though they have been mindful of reducing usage. To tackle these rising costs, schools are taking proactive steps such as installing solar systems and embracing energy efficiency initiatives. 

The Victorian Principals Association has highlighted that these climbing electricity costs are influencing spending in various other areas within schools. This means that funds might need to be redirected from other vital sectors, such as curriculum development and staffing. For example, schools could face challenges in hiring additional teachers or maintaining existing educational programs. 

Here are a few specific examples of affected programs: 

Curriculum: Schools may have to make tough decisions to cut certain subjects or extracurricular activities so they can reallocate funds towards managing the increased electricity costs. 

Staffing: The ability to bring on additional teachers or keep current staff levels stable may be at risk, which could lead to larger class sizes and less individual attention for students.

Case Study 3 Small Businesses

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has shared some important news regarding electricity prices under the Default Market Offer (DMO) for 2025-26. It looks like small businesses may see an increase between 4.2% and 8.2%. This uptick is largely due to the rise in extreme weather events, which has led the AER to provide additional guidance aimed at boosting network resilience. While this initiative is crucial, it also means that the costs related to transporting, building, and maintaining network infrastructure are likely to rise, adding to the already existing cost-of-living pressures for small businesses.

Throughout 2024, average wholesale market spot prices climbed, primarily driven by high demand, coal generator and network outages, and low solar and wind output. These factors culminated in significant price events across DMO regions that will also affect wholesale electricity contracts for the upcoming 2025-26 period. Small businesses are facing multiple hurdles, including increasing network costs in various regions, inflation, and higher interest rates, which ultimately results in a greater rate of return.

In New South Wales (NSW), small businesses can expect to pay between AUD 4900 and 6300, in addition to network costs and taxes, for an average annual electricity consumption of 10,000 kWh for 2025-26. There are around 2.6 million small businesses (with 0-9 employees) across Australia, and all of them will continue to grapple with rising costs and cost-of-living pressures. This situation is further exacerbated by climate change, with factors such as high demand, coal generator outages, and low solar and wind output contributing to significant price fluctuations in DMO regions. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is putting a strain on networks, causing economic losses for many businesses, as highlighted by the impacts of the Alfred Cyclone. It's essential for small businesses to work on enhancing their resilience, focusing on their ability to withstand and recover from such challenging events. Cost-of-living pressures remain a serious concern for many small businesses.

This narrative sheds light on the urgent need for innovative and cost-effective solutions that can genuinely impact our fight against climate change. We are at a pivotal moment where a paradigm shift in our approach to energy production, storage, and consumption is crucial for creating a sustainable future for everyone. Now is the time to develop and implement groundbreaking technologies that effectively tackle these pressing issues.

These pressing concerns require our immediate attention and innovative strategies. It's essential for businesses, governments, and individuals to unite and foster meaningful change. By facing these challenges with determination, we can pave the way for a sustainable, affordable, and resilient energy future for all.