Walton, a leading local tech conglomerate, has partnered with Chinese tech giant Huawei to manufacture lithium batteries in Bangladesh, a move that is expected to reduce costs for the country’s telecom operators and contribute to global carbon emissions reduction efforts.
As part of the agreement, Walton will establish a fully automated, advanced production line with the capacity to produce 80,000 lithium batteries annually. The production facility will also handle nationwide sales and after-sales services, according to a press release issued today.
The agreement was signed by Huawei Bangladesh CEO Pan Junfeng and S M Rezaul Alam, Chairman of Walton Digi-Tech Industries Limited, at a ceremony held at Huawei Bangladesh Academy. The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, representatives from Grameenphone, and about 30 other telecom carriers.
Bangladesh’s mobile telecom industry relies heavily on batteries to power Base Transceiver Stations (BTS). Currently, most of these batteries are imported. With this partnership, Walton aims to manufacture lithium batteries domestically, with plans to bring the product to market within the next seven months. Huawei will support the venture by providing technical expertise, raw materials, and design guidance.
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For years, BTS towers have used lead-acid batteries as a backup power source, but these are less efficient and environmentally harmful compared to lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries produce 50% more CO2 emissions, have lower efficiency (80-85%), shorter lifespans, and require more maintenance and space. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries are nearly 100% efficient, have a longer lifespan, require less maintenance, and are more eco-friendly when it comes to recycling.
S M Monjurul Alam Ovee, Managing Director of Walton Digi-Tech Industries, highlighted the environmental benefits of the project, saying, “Our new state-of-the-art lithium battery manufacturing plant will reduce dependence on lead-acid batteries in Bangladesh’s telecom industry, significantly improving carbon emissions.”
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Ovee emphasized that the initiative is not just a business venture but a step towards improving the quality of life for Bangladeshis. “This agreement aligns with our mission to make life better for the people of Bangladesh,” he added.
Huawei CEO Pan Junfeng noted that Huawei’s lithium batteries are already used by more than 340 telecom operators in over 170 countries, representing one-third of the global telecom energy sector. “I’m confident that our collaboration will drive innovation, create opportunities, and set a new standard for success,” he said.
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