Tembo E-LV, a subsidiary of VivoPower International, is pleased to announce that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with AL TAIF Technical Services, the UAE’s leading provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for military equipment. Pursuant to the Agreement, the collaboration will undertake feasibility studies with the goal of formalising a partnership spanning distribution of Tembo EV conversion kits, research & development, training in electric mobility and high voltage, as well as local assembly operations in the UAE.
AL TAIF is a subsidiary of the EDGE Group, one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold, and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond. Its customers include defence and police organisations in the UAE, the MENA region, and extending to other regions.
The Tembo EUV kits transform new and second-hand utility vehicles, including the 4×4 LandCruiser and Hilux vehicles into ruggedised EUVs for use in off-road and specialised on-road applications, including defence, mining, agriculture, construction, safari, and conservation, as well as humanitarian aid purposes. Tembo EUV conversion kits are a key component of VivoPower’s turnkey sustainable energy solutions, encompassing training and safety solutions, critical power solutions, battery storage, and battery second life applications designed to help fleet-owning customers accelerate towards their net zero carbon goals and to achieve cost savings.
The Agreement follows successful drive days in desert conditions, outside of Dubai (March 2023) and Abu Dhabi (May 2023) with Tembo EUV repowered vehicles.
Kevin Chin, VivoPower’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said:
“On behalf of the entire VivoPower and Tembo teams, I am very honoured to have entered into this Memorandum of Understanding with AL TAIF, the UAE’s official military and defence maintenance company. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Saif Al Dahbashi, AL TAIF’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and his team for selecting VivoPower and Tembo as their preferred partners for feasibility studies in relation to electric vehicle conversions and ancillary training services for the UAE military and their regional customers. At Tembo, we are very aware of the exacting standards required for defence industry use cases, which span not just safety but also security and confidentiality. As a B Corporation that has been recognised as amongst the Best in the World for Governance, VivoPower and its subsidiaries adopt an uncompromising approach towards security and confidentiality. We are all committed to working closely with the AL TAIF team to deliver both economic and sustainability outcomes for AL TAIF, the EDGE Group, and the UAE more broadly.”
Saif Al Dahbashi, AL TAIF’s CEO, said:
“As the leading centre of excellence for comprehensive lifecycle support of defence systems in the UAE, AL TAIF is very pleased to embark on this journey of collaboration with VivoPower and Tembo. As we align with the UAE’s strategic decarbonisation efforts, this partnership marks a concrete step within the defence industry to ensure a safe and secure future. By combining our respective strengths, we are confident that we will make significant strides in contributing to a more sustainable UAE, delivering unparalleled solutions that drive down costs and address the evolving needs of our customers.”
To read our full press release, and to keep up with all of VivoPower’s releases, visit our Press Releases page.
About AL TAIF
AL TAIF provides essential lifecycle services and technical capability development to guarantee the ultimate asset performance and mission readiness for its customers. Its eleven state-of-the-art workshops are geographically distributed to offer seamless convenience and flexibility, while a mobile unit can quickly and efficiently address all types of MRO needs. The company is part of the Platforms & Systems cluster within EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups.
Lumify Group has recently secured ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 certifications for its operations in Australia. These certifications, global benchmarks for information security and privacy management, underscore Lumify’s dedication to safeguarding the data of its customers, partners, and staff.
In today’s digital business landscape, robust information security systems are paramount. Recognising this, Lumify embarked on an intensive project to enhance its information security and privacy management system. The project began with a thorough gap analysis of their systems and processes, followed by the alignment of 144 controls for ISO 27001 and additional controls for ISO 27701. Lumify leveraged existing resources, using a template to provide a foundational structure for these controls.
The Lumify team then tailored policies and procedures to their unique interactions with customers, vendors, and staff. They compiled registers, procedures, policies, and monitoring plans, establishing regular checks and assigning system management roles within the business. Certified team members conducted internal audits, and the entire team was offered training and awareness sessions through learning modules and presentations.
After reviewing internal and independent audit results, Lumify worked diligently to comply with the controls in preparation for an external audit by SAI Global. As part of their certification, Lumify identified key areas for continuous improvement of their Information Security Management System (ISMS) and Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). This includes regular scope extensions, ongoing security awareness training for Lumify staff, regular security audits and assessments, and ISMS updates incorporating feedback from security incidents, industry best practices, and emerging threats.
For Lumify’s customers and partners, these certifications offer peace of mind. Their data is managed in compliance with legislative requirements, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Lumify’s teams are well-versed in ISMS, ensuring that systems prioritise data security. This includes protection for personally identifiable information and company data.
For Lumify’s staff, the ISO 27001 and 27701 certifications offer multiple benefits: enhanced awareness of information security and privacy best practices, tools and procedures to comply with data privacy regulations, and the assurance that their personal information is protected throughout their tenure at Lumify Group.
In collaboration with PECB, Lumify offers the ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer course. This course equips participants with the knowledge to support an organisation’s ISMS, providing a comprehensive understanding of ISMS best practices and a framework for continuous improvement.
With over 30 years of experience, Lumify Group has been a guiding force for organizations and individuals navigating technological change. As the preferred training partner of the world’s leading technology vendors, Lumify delivers top-tier, vendor-authorised learning experiences across a broad and continually expanding range of topics and courses.
VivoPower and Tembo e-LV had the honour of showcasing Tembo’s electrified vehicle solutions at Endeavour Energy’s Future Forum event held at Kings Park, Hoxton Park, and Spring Hill in Greater Sydney. The team demonstrated the capabilities of the Tembo electric utility vehicle (EUV) to attendees at multiple Endeavour Energy depots in the region.
The Future Forum showcased Endeavour Energy’s forward-thinking innovation and served as an opportunity to recognise outstanding achievements in the energy industry. It also gave participants the platform to speak with peers on ways to drive the industry forward and help businesses meet their sustainability targets.
We thank the Endeavour Energy team, especially Danny Thai, Nathan Keen, Cameron Sampson, and Bruce Scoble. Special thanks also go to VivoPower’s Kevin Chin and Miya Zhou for representing our company at the event and engaging with the attendees, as well as to Daniel Boardman, Phil Barker, and Evan Beaver for providing valuable support.a
Ontario is taking a significant step toward improving health & safety for mine workers by requiring a large reduction in diesel particulate levels in underground mines, and thereby pushing for decarbonisation in the mining sector.
Last month, Labour Minister Monte McNaughton introduced new legislation aimed at cutting diesel particulates in mines to acceptable levels.
Right now, Ontario allows up to 400 micrograms per cubic metre of air. This is considered one of the highest levels permitted in the world.
However, the new law cuts that level by 70 percent, bringing the number to only 120 micrograms per cubic metre. Any company that does not comply with the mandate could face hefty penalties from the government.
Mr McNaughton believes the measure would benefit many Ontarians working in the mining industry.
“We know that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust while on the job can be a significant cause of bladder and lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease for miners,” Mr McNaughton said.
“Currently, Ontario has the highest diesel exposure limits in Canada. That is why we’re introducing the toughest standards in North America to reduce exposure by 70 per cent and keep our miners safe.”
A positive move forward
Ontarians have long been calling for changes in the amount of permitted diesel particulates in mines.
In November, the trade union United Steelworkers Local 6500 launched a public awareness campaign to urge the government to act. The group wants exposure levels to be reduced to just 20 micrograms per cubic metre of air. This number was based on recommendations from Carcinogen Exposure Canada (CAREX) and the Occupational Cancer Research Centre.
The new law only cuts exposure levels to 120 micrograms per cubic metre. However, the union still considers the passing of the measure as a move in the right direction.
“This is excellent news today. The reduction of the occupational exposure limit by 70 per cent is an awesome start,” Local 6500 President Nick Larochelle said.
“We look forward to continuing working with the ministry to bring that number down to 20 micrograms per cubic metre of air.”
Dangers of diesel particulate exposure
Air pollution remains a significant threat to the health and safety of mine workers. Diesel exhaust exposure, for instance, has been linked to serious illnesses such as cancer.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, diesel exhaust contains a substance called diesel particulate matter (DPM). This is often made up of soot particles, carbon, ash, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metallic abrasion particles, sulfates, and silicates.
Short-term exposure to diesel exhaust can result in coughing, as well as eye, nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation. In some cases, it can also trigger irritation of the lungs or even an allergic reaction. Some people have reported suffering from lightheadedness, headache, or nausea.
Long-term exposure, on the other hand, can lead to more serious health effects. Diesel exhaust is considered carcinogenic to humans, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). People who are exposed to the substance for long periods have a higher risk of developing lung and even bladder cancer.
Prioritising health and safety
The mining industry is one of the most difficult industries to decarbonise. The nature of the business and its reliance on heavy machinery make it hard for companies to achieve net-zero. However, there are various ways in which mining sites can become more environmentally sustainable.
Some mining companies have started replacing their traditional operations with more environmentally friendly methods. This includes electrifying machinery, equipment, and vehicles where possible and switching power generation sourcing from highly polluting fossil fuels to cleaner renewable energy such as solar and wind.
For example, Accès, a leading partner to mining companies for the provision of light vehicles in Canada, have begun offering light vehicle fleet electrification, namely electric pickup trucks. The company has partnered with Tembo, a global leader in EV conversion kits for light utility vehicles, to supply mining spec EVs. The move will help Accès’s mining clients significantly cut carbon emissions across its mining facilities and decrease the potential exposure to diesel exhaust for its workers.
A staggering 500,000 kilograms of plastic waste collected in Q1 2023
In the battle against plastic pollution, Green Antz Builders – an eco-friendly construction materials company backed by Arowana Impact Capital – has collected a staggering 500,000 kilograms of plastic waste in the first quarter of 2023 alone.
This represents an astounding 829% increase year-on-year in plastic waste collection, ultimately preventing plastic waste from polluting landfills and waterways.
The volume of plastic waste diverted from traditional disposal methods is truly remarkable. To put it into perspective, these collection efforts have prevented the equivalent in weight from contributing to the ever-growing plastic pollution crisis:
83 million plastic utensils
14 million plastic bottles
50 million plastic cups
100 million plastic bags
Each of these numbers represents countless potential sources of pollution transformed into opportunities for effecting environmental change.
Green Antz converts plastic waste into eco-friendly construction materials, including eco-bricks and pavers. The company is helping businesses and communities achieve their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets by establishing effective recycling and waste management systems and empowering others to make a tangible difference in the fight against plastic pollution.
Backing Green Antz Builders in their commitment to environmental sustainability is Arowana Impact Capital, the lead investor in the company.
At AIC, our focus on sustainability extends beyond solving the current plastic waste crisis to provide long-term practical solutions for the construction industry to minimise its environmental footprint.
As we confront the urgent challenges posed by plastic waste, we work together with our partners in living out the principles of environmental stewardship and resourcefulness and paving the way for a future where plastic waste is minimised, communities thrive, and our planet thrives alongside them.
VivoPower International is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive partnership agreement for VivoPower to market and distribute Vital EV Solutions fleet charging solutions globally.
Part of the Vital Group of companies, Vital EV is a specialist UK headquartered company, offering a comprehensive range of electric vehicle charging solutions for fleet owners and is the official re-seller of Kempower charging stations and service solutions in the UK and across Africa. Kempower, headquartered in Finland, has the fastest EV fleet charging solutions on the market including for off-highway working environment applications.
Under the Agreement, VivoPower will be able to offer to its customers and partners a wide range of EV fleet charging products and services from Vital EV and Kempower for an initial term of 3 years. These products include multi-voltage lightweight movable rapid chargers, hub-and-spoke rapid and ultra-rapid charging systems, satellite dispensers as well as conventional station chargers.
The EV fleet charging solutions will be offered by VivoPower to complement Tembo’s EV conversion kits, which transform new and second-hand diesel-powered 4×4 Land Cruiser and Hilux vehicles into ruggedised EUVs for use in many sectors, including mining, infrastructure, government agencies, humanitarian, tourism, and agriculture. Tembo EV conversion kits are a key component of VivoPower’s turnkey sustainable energy solutions, designed to help corporate customers accelerate toward their net zero carbon goals and to achieve cost savings.
Kevin Chin, VivoPower’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said:
“VivoPower’s purpose is to generate sustainable energy solutions to help our customers and our planet. This partnership will allow VivoPower to bundle ancillary charging solutions for our fleet-owning customers and partners who are seeking to electrify their fleets with the Tembo EV conversion kits. Vital EV’s solutions are differentiated from others in the market in that they offer satellite remote charging, off-road and ruggedised charging, as well as both DC and AC charging. This is highly relevant for some of the use cases of our customers, including for off-road and remote conditions.”
Alex Rae, Vital EV’s Director and General Manager, said:
“Vital EV are delighted to announce that VivoPower is set to become our partner as we extend the geographical reach of our highly reliable and future-proofed EV rapid charging solutions. VivoPower’s integrated focus on turnkey solutions complements our own objectives; which are to ensure all customers are supported with full product life-cycle services to ensure uptime and availability of critical charging infrastructure.”
To read our full press release, and to keep up with all of VivoPower’s releases, visit our Press Releases page.
About VivoPower
VivoPower is an award-winning global sustainable energy solutions B Corporation company focused on electric solutions for customised and ruggedised fleet applications, battery and microgrids, solar and critical power technology, and services. The Company’s core purpose is to provide its customers with turnkey decarbonisation solutions that enable them to move toward net-zero carbon status. VivoPower has operations and personnel in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.
About Vital EV
Vital EV is the UK market leader in the sales, service, and rental of Kempower (DC) rapid charging solutions. Its vision is to be the most trusted service provider within the EV charging sector by setting world-class customer service benchmarks and transforming customer expectations with honesty, integrity, and passion. Part of the Vital Group of companies, the business is led by a dynamic, innovative, and experienced management team. With a specialist understanding of power engineering and the automotive sector, it enjoys a successful track-record in delivering large-scale and technically complex project installations to an ever-growing customer base of EV users.
All trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
VivoPower and Tembo e-LV, the global leader in EV conversion kits for utility vehicle fleets, hosted top-class Drive Days in the Al Wadi Desert Nature Reserve, Unit, to demonstrate the performance of our electrified LandCruiser to partners and clients.
Guests were able to inspect and test drive our Electric Utility Vehicle (EUV) in a desert environment. This was a real test for our EUV and, as usual, it passed comfortably.
“Heel erg bedankt” to the team back in Eindhoven for logistics and online support pre-drive day. Many thanks as well to Santiago Tenorio-Garcés, Matthew Nestor, and Daniel Boardman for organising successful drive days and brilliantly representing the Tembo team led by VivoPower’s CEO, Kevin Chin.
Tembo e-LV, the global leader in EV conversion kits for utility vehicle fleets, and Evolution Group Holdings Limited, the leading traffic, civil, and fleet management company for the road infrastructure sector in Australia and NZ, hosted an exciting Drive Day in Brisbane at the RACQ Mt Cotton Testing Facility to showcase an electrified LandCruiser to Australia-based partners and clients.
After an information session and safety briefing, guests were able to test drive Tembo’s Electric Utility Vehicle (EUV), first on a road circuit, and then on a challenging 4x4 trail circuit! Both Evolution and Tembo teams had many conversations with partners and clients, several of which are already bearing fruit with specific commercial opportunities.
Many thanks to the team at Evolution, especially Andrew Baxter, Nick van Pooss, Grant Reid, Daniel Hopkins, and Rhys Attwood for meticulously coordinating logistics prior to, and during the Drive Day, truly making it a success.
On the Tembo and VivoPower side, thank you to Phil Barker for explaining vehicle performance specs and answering all technical client queries on the day, to the team back at base in Eindhoven for their continuous online support, as well as Michael Hui, Eduardo Nebot, and Tony Culleton for brilliantly representing the company and engaging with attendees.
Arowana, the leading B Corporation-accredited global investment firm, today announced the launch of its impact-focussed venture studio, Vivarium, as it expands its mission to grow companies that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, as articulated by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Vivarium partners with talented and resilient founders at an early stage who are ready to scale up solutions that advance societal and environmental welfare globally but require further strategic and operational support.
Led by a team of experienced venture builders, Vivarium focusses on building solutions to global challenges – from bridging the digital divide with universal access to technology and the internet; to addressing environmental crises such as plastic pollution with a waste-to-X approach; to building a more socially inclusive world with better opportunities in education and employment.
Vivarium looks to work alongside entrepreneurs in building ventures that tackle the UN SDGs where technology and innovation can make lasting changes for humanity. Initial SDGs highlighted as focus areas include SDG 9 (Industries, innovation, and infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 13 (Climate action).
At the beginning of the programme and throughout the early stages of venture development, Vivarium also provides seed funding and assists in securing investment from value-add co-investors in follow-on rounds.
Vivarium also offers resources and structured support by bringing together a talented and curious group of individuals with various specialisations, including operations, design, engineering, marketing & brand strategy, law, finance, and enterprise sales. These experts function as extensions of the founding team, providing expertise to navigate the growth journey of scaling global businesses. Teams will also have access to Arowana’s world-class advisory board and experienced team of entrepreneurs who have started, scaled, bought, fixed, operated, and exited businesses or gone public with an IPO, as well as access to a global network of potential customers, partners, and talent.
Santiago Tenorio, Executive Director, Vivarium, said: “We are thrilled to launch Vivarium, our impact-focussed venture-building platform. With an unparalleled pool of talent and an increased focus on sustainability, the potential for impact-driven ventures is greater than ever before. We believe this convergence of talent and focus creates the perfect environment for building innovative global businesses that tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Our platform is dedicated to nurturing and empowering these ventures, helping them to scale their impact and build a better future for all. We are excited to work with entrepreneurs who share our vision and are ready to make a positive difference in the world.”
Kevin Chin, CEO and Founder, Arowana, said: “Vivarium is on a mission to help start-up founders turn their impact-focussed ventures into successful global companies. These founders are driving change in the world, and we are delighted to work closely with them on their journey. We are here to provide the resources, support, and experience needed to overcome the inevitable challenges of scaling up successfully and delivering on their mission of creating lasting impact. This aligns with Arowana’s core purpose of growing people, companies, and value.”
The launch of Vivarium follows the announcement today of the spin-off of Arowana’s growth-stage venture capital secondaries unit, Alicorn Venture Partners, where Arowana will maintain an economic interest going forward. This affords Arowana, through Vivarium, the opportunity to focus on impact-focussed primary investment opportunities that align with its B Corp triple bottom-line mantra of People, Planet, and Profit.
About Arowana
Arowana is a leading B Corp-certified global investment firm with several operating companies and investments in electric vehicles, renewable energy, vocational and professional education, technology and software, venture capital, and impact asset management. Arowana’s purpose is to grow people, companies, and value.
About Vivarium
Backed by Arowana, Vivarium is a venture studio and holding company established to solve the most fundamental problems that affect our society and our planet. We partner at an early stage with start-up founders who are mission-aligned to build scalable businesses that not only disrupt industries and are profitable, but also create meaningful impact in the world.
Arowana, the leading B Corporation-accredited global investment firm, today announced the successful spin-off of its UK based venture capital unit, Alicorn Venture Partners, into an independent entity, after scaling up the business in the secondaries investing space.
Alicorn was established in 2018, initially with internal capital of Arowana’s leadership. The firm focussed on investing into growth-stage frontier technology companies backed by leading VC firms through a combination of secondaries and bespoke primary transactions. Under the Arowana umbrella, Alicorn scaled to more than US$65 million of invested capital through co-investment opportunities, Fund I, and more recently towards the first close of Fund II.
Alexander Assim, Managing Partner, Alicorn, said: “Very few people had heard of secondary VC opportunities in 2018, far less a fund devoted to that activity. Arowana noticed and executed this strategy and supported the growth of the business as Alicorn took its initial steps in that marketplace. Without that early support, in what has now become a non-core area for Arowana, we would not be in the situation where we are today. We are more convinced than ever of the opportunities in the secondary venture space, which is now worth over US$150 billion. Alicorn now has an enormous and timely market opportunity to exploit and the entire Alicorn team is looking forward to executing on this.”
Kevin Chin, Founder & CEO, Arowana, said: “Arowana has been proud to support Alicorn’s development over the years. Our decision to spin off Alicorn is in sync with Arowana’s strategy to sharpen our focus on impact as well as to stay true to our core purpose of growing people, companies, and value. We believe that, as an independent entity, Alicorn will have the flexibility and focus to further grow and expand its operations. We are excited to see them continue to pursue their vision as an independent VC firm, leveraging their expertise in secondaries to invest in and support innovative companies. Arowana will remain a close ally and strategic stakeholder, encouraging them to further success.”
At the same time, Arowana announced the launch of its impact-focussed venture studio, Vivarium.
About Arowana
Arowana is a leading B Corp-certified global investment firm with operating companies and investments in electric vehicles, renewable energy, vocational and professional education, technology and software, venture capital, and impact asset management. Arowana’s purpose is to grow people, companies, and value.
About Alicorn
Alicorn Venture Partners (AVP) is a secondary-dominant venture capital firm focussed on investing across the capital structure in growth-stage companies across a range of technology thematics. It is a European-orientated VC with a strong focus in Israel and the UK, working with leadership teams, existing investors, and other stakeholders since 2018 to solve capital problems in high-growth areas.
