Powering a
sustainable
future
We specialize in innovative energy storage systems, accelerating the energy transition through safe, practical and durable solutions.
Vision
To accelerate energy transition through efficient and cost effective delivery of our cutting edge energy storage systems.
Mission
To continue delivering innovative and impactful energy storage solutions worldwide that are smart, safe, practical, affordable, and durable.
Core Values
Sustainability
Honesty
Integrity
Innovation
The Minds Behind WEST
Combining decades of experience in their respective fields, Billy and Chip came together with complementary expertise and a commitment to excellence to address a critical gap in the market for safe and reliable energy storage. Their shared philosophy of innovative problem-solving and delivering time-tested results forms the core of WEST’s mission.
The core members of the WEST team possess more than 130 years of experience in hardware and software systems design, manufacturing, supercap energy storage system design, corporate finance, sales and marketing.
Chip Seibert
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Chip Seibert is a 30-year Wall Street investment professional whose career began at KPMG Peat Marwick as a Senior Auditor and Goldman Sach as a Senior Analyst. He then joined Avatar Associates and held positions as a Technology Analyst, Portfolio Manager, and Market Strategist working alongside Marty Zweig, who was renowned for predicting the 1987 market crash. During his tenure Chip also built software models that codified Marty’s quantitative analytical tools. In 2010, he bought the firm, selling it in 2013 to focus on energy storage and the commercialization of supercapacitor-based energy storage systems.
Linda Habgood
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Linda brings over 35 years of strategic financial expertise to WEST, leveraging her extensive leadership experience to drive growth and ensure fiscal responsibility. After earning her MBA from Wharton, she spent 22 years leading a top emerging markets financial advisory firm that raised ~$15 billion in debt and equity for more than 1000+ infrastructure and investments opportunities in Africa, LatAm and Asia.
Billy de Jong
CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER
William ‘Billy’ De Jong, an electrical engineering graduate from Stellenbosch University, is a leading expert in supercapacitor-based energy storage systems. With 20 years in renewable energy and 10 specializing in long-duration storage, he is widely recognized for his expertise in designing, commercializing, and supporting these systems for demanding environments.
Thomas Russel-Smith
HEAD OF SOFTWARE & SYSTEMS
Thomas Russel-Smith is a key member of the founding team that set the company on the path to success. With a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of South Africa and over 20 years of experience in software development and leadership, he brings invaluable expertise to his role.
Built on Values
Driven by Purpose
The global energy transmission and delivery infrastructure is transitioning away from fossil fuels toward one that is electric and utilizes as much renewable generation as possible.
Why? Renewable generation technologies have become increasingly more cost effective, and it actually makes sense to generate electricity at the point of usage, thus obviating the need for ever more vast distribution networks. These “localized” systems, however, need a way to store energy that is generated intermittently in order to balance generation and usage effectively. Sure, we have all been using technologies like lead acid and Li-ion to address this need, but these options are good at best, not great. And, there are news reports of advanced technologies like solid state storage and table-top fusion, but those are not here yet and many fantastical technologies live and die as rumors.
In the meantime, WEST has commercialized a robust technology that incorporates the best attributes of the current, “electro-chemical” methods (lead acid and Li-ion) and the “electro-static” methods found in supercapacitors. Some electro-chemical storage systems hold a lot of energy relative to their weight or size, but they are not getting high marks in terms of lifespan, safety, or efficiency. Capacitors are found in almost every electric circuit in the world and are known to last an extremely long time. They are safe, hardy, and efficient. WEST created a battery optimized around the best attributes of these commonly known and used methods while limiting the shortcomings, and then added a BMS that simplifies installation and operation.
Often, fantastical technologies live and die as rumors
Fortunately, we are the world’s experts at properly controlling supercaps.
Our optimized supercaps are extremely long lasting, highly efficient, safe, and can be rapidly charged and discharged, but also discharged very slowly.
These devices utilize the best attributes of both chemical and electrostatic devices and are dense enough for almost all electrical energy storage applications. They are extremely long lasting, highly efficient, safe, and can be rapidly charged and discharged. They actually share some physical attributes of current battery technologies but operate without the current method of converting electrical energy in and out of an electrolyte, thereby providing them with an extra-long lifespan. Optimized super capacitors are, however, because of their inherent ability to deliver lots of power, not easy to control. Fortunately, we are the world’s experts at properly controlling supercaps.
Now that we have time-tested our formula, we are now ramping up production of energy storage systems and have established a distribution capability in more than 35 countries in Africa, North America, and Europe… and it’s growing fast. As a U.S.-based company servicing global markets, we adhere to the highest quality and certification standards.
We have developed some of our technology in Europe and tested it in the harsh conditions of Africa. Within two years we will be producing systems in all three geographies and capable of delivering storage systems small and large.
Here’s the important part: while we are broadening the reach of our networks and building out our product base, we are delivering safe, reliable cost-effective, and long-lasting energy storage systems to more and more happy customers every day.
Meanwhile, electrochemical storage systems (“batteries”), have to be replaced much more frequently than is tolerable in an industry that invests in projects that need to last decades.
The truth is, we all had to live with what was available until something better came along. No more. Ours last many times longer than current technologies and are completely hassle-free. The fact that they last as long as the rest of the system means they can be properly financed over decades without worrying about replacing and recycling them like electrochemical systems.
We bring good, old-fashioned honesty to an industry that sorely needs it.
Going forward, we will be focusing on high-quality stationary storage projects in various sizes from residential to micro-grids, and even utility scale projects.
Additionally, we believe in helping fossil fuel technologies become more efficient and are already collaborating with companies that want to supplement their diesel generators, combined-heat-and-power systems, and even hydrogen fuel cells with our storage products.
We look forward to bringing real excitement, and some good old-fashioned integrity and honesty to an industry that sorely needs it.
Forget worrying about frequent battery replacements.
Explore our unique electrostatic technology, compare its performance to
alternatives, and see how our costs stand out in a Li-Ion dominated market.
Our Commitment to
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As a technology company, we recognize the power of science to reveal truth and drive progress. Research consistently shows that diversity fosters innovation, strengthens decision-making, and enhances outcomes. Diversity, in short, is essential to both our success and our shared evolution as humans.
By focusing on our shared humanity, we can navigate differences, celebrate individuality, and create communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
We are committed to embracing all facets of human identity and fostering a culture of collaboration and consensus.
As a for-profit company, we understand finding talented employees will always be the key to our market success. As providers of durable, renewable energy solutions, we will leverage the influence of our success to address issues of inequality, racism, and bias, not just in the workplace but in the broader world.
Still have questions? We’re here to help!
Contact us today to learn more about our innovative solutions or to get personalized assistance.