TROPICAL Battery Group plans to begin rolling out a new class of energy storage technology in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic as early as next quarter, targeting data centres and other high-reliability applications with systems it says can outperform conventional lithium-ion batteries.

The Jamaica Stock Exchange-listed company said it has signed an agreement with US-based Wright Energy Storage Technologies (WEST) to act as an authorised reseller of its supercapacitor-based storage products, as it moves to diversify beyond traditional battery solutions and deepen its presence in renewable energy.

“We are currently in active discussions with several high-profile commercial and industrial prospects in both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic who require zero-fail power environments,” chief executive Alexander Melville said in response to Jamaica Observer WhatsApp queries on Thursday. “We expect to have the first systems operational and commissioned by next quarter.”

The systems, which use an electrostatic storage mechanism rather than conventional chemical processes, are being positioned as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, particularly in high-temperature environments such as the Caribbean.

Melville said the initial focus will be on solar-integrated storage, telecoms infrastructure and backup power for critical facilities, while pointing to data centres as a key growth area.

“Modern AI infrastructure generates extreme, rapid power transients as GPU clusters ramp up and down,” he told BusinessWeek. “Traditional lithium-based systems often struggle with these rapid-switching events. WEST’s technology responds in microseconds and handles millions of switching events without generating heat or degrading.”

Tropical Battery said the technology offers a longer operational lifespan and improved safety profile compared with conventional systems, including reduced fire risk and the ability to operate across a wide temperature range. The company also cited high efficiency and full depth of discharge as potential advantages for commercial and industrial users.

Melville argued that cost competitiveness should be assessed over the full lifecycle of the system.

“Lithium-ion systems often require expensive fire suppression and active cooling infrastructure,” he said. “When you factor in lifecycle costs, WEST is very competitive and in many large-scale applications can be the more affordable option.”

He added that the systems are designed to last decades, with no performance degradation over time, reducing the need for replacement cycles typical of lithium-based installations.

According to Melville, WEST has more than 3,500 systems installed across 39 countries, with over a decade of operating history, including in high-temperature environments similar to the Caribbean.

The agreement covers distribution through Tropical Battery as well as its Dominican Republic-based affiliate, Kaya Energy, and forms part of the group’s broader strategy to position itself as a provider of integrated energy solutions across the region.

Energy storage is becoming increasingly important in Caribbean markets as businesses and utilities seek to integrate more renewable generation, particularly solar, while maintaining grid stability and managing costs.

Technologies that can withstand high heat and humidity without performance degradation are seen as especially relevant in the region, where environmental conditions can shorten the lifespan of conventional battery systems.

While the technology is being positioned as a viable alternative to lithium-ion systems, questions remain around how it will compete at scale, particularly on upfront cost, energy density and scalability — key considerations for many storage applications.

Melville said those factors are less critical in stationary commercial and industrial use cases.

“What matters most to our customers is reliability and the total cost over the life of the asset,” he said. “A system that operates across extreme temperatures with no fire risk is a superior value proposition for Caribbean businesses.”

Tropical Battery said the systems will initially be fully imported to ensure manufacturing standards are maintained, with units expected to become available through its retail network as early as next quarter.

The company is also developing financing options to support adoption, though details have not yet been disclosed.

The move comes as Tropical Battery continues to broaden its energy portfolio, following its 2024 acquisition of US-based Rose Batteries, which expanded its technical and manufacturing capabilities in advanced battery systems.

Melville said the company expects the new technology to become a meaningful contributor to future growth, citing strong early interest from potential customers.

Tropical Battery CEO Alexander Melville says the company is moving to deploy next-generation energy storage systems across the Caribbean, targeting high-reliability sectors such as data centres.