Surrette Battery exports renewable energy

Today, houses and businesses in the Caribbean are keeping the lights on and the work moving thanks to a renewable-energy battery made in Springhill, Nova Scotia. Jamie Surrette’s second-generation company, Surrette Battery Company Ltd. has been operating since 1935 and manufactures batteries for various applications, including railroad, marine, and solar power.

In 2003, when Surrette began exploring new markets, he wondered “whether we could compete with the likes of Germany and Mexico from Springhill.” He soon learned that using the Canadian flag in its advertising was viewed as a symbol of quality assurance in some countries.

There has never been a better time for renewable-energy products. Places such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico lose power up to six times a day. Although there are countrywide grids, they frequently become unstable, meaning people lose power. Also, rural areas outside the national grid system often don’t have access to power at all. This is where Surrette steps in. “People talk about the [energy] demand on automobiles,” he says. “Well, that plays second fiddle to having a light on in your house.”

The company plans to market its products in places such as Mexico so homes can function fully on alternative energy. “In my opinion, Mexico is currently the smallest customer base,” says Surette, “but it has the largest potential because the wealth of the nation is increasing, and the people want a stable power supply.”

In places such as Mexico, the essential energy will come from solar power. The sun’s energy will be stored in Surrette’s batteries, and that power store will be provided to homes that are connected to an electrification power station. There won’t be an endless supply of 100 per cent renewable power, but it will be enough to support daily use.

Find out more about Surrette Battery at www.surrette.com.