Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX: ATC) (“Altech” or “Company”) has EXECUTED a joint venture Shareholders’ Agreement with Fraunhofer IKTS (“IKTS”), the world-leading German institute focused on battery technology. Under the agreement, Altech will commercialize IKTS’ sodium alumina solid-state (SAS) battery, CERENERGY®.
Altech, together with the Company’s associated entity, Altech Advanced Materials AG, will be the majority (75%) owners of the joint venture. The joint venture will commercialize a 100 MWh project on Altech’s land in Schwarze Pump, Germany, to produce the CERENERGY® batteries.
SAS CERENERGY® Battery
The CERENERGY® battery consists of a solid ceramic electrolyte tube that functions like the lithium-ion battery’s liquid electrolyte. The tube contains cathode granules comprising table salt and nickel. The tube gets flooded with sodium aluminium chloride (a conductive liquid) to ensure electrical contact between the granules and the ceramic. The setup is placed in a steel canister with negative and positive tabs on top; together called one cell. One CERENERGY® module consists of 40 such cells.
Altech Chemicals opines that SAS CERENERGY® BATTERIES offer alternative storage to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY® batteries are game-changing because of their unique features of the battery.
- The batteries are fire and explosion-proof with a lifespan of 15+ years. They can also withstand extreme climates.
- The technology is lithium-free, cobalt-free, graphite free and copper free and uses table salt and nickel. The process eliminates the technology’s exposure to metal prices and supply chain concerns, as both materials are readily available.
- IKTS has invested over 8 years in the development of the battery to achieve higher energy capacity and lower production costs. IKTS has spent EUR 35 M on R&D and currently operates a EUR 25 M PILOT PLANT in Hemsdorf, Germany.
- The battery modules (10 KWh each) are designed for grid storage and have undergone extensive performance testing in Germany.
- According to IKTS’ estimations, the total cost of production of a CERENERGY® battery is 40–50% less than the cost of production of lithium-ion batteries.
- The SAS CERENERGY® battery is in the final product testing phase and ready to commercialize.
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