Germany is testing kitchen salt-based batteries
German developer Altech Advanced Materials AG (FRA) has introduced a prototype 60 kWh battery for testing, using common table salt instead of rare and expensive materials like lithium or cobalt. The new battery, named CERENERGY, was developed based on the sodium-chloride solid-state battery technology created by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany.
A Breakthrough in Energy Storage Technology
The CERENERGY battery consists of 240 ceramic cells with a solid electrolyte that use sodium ions from table salt to store energy. Each cell has a nominal voltage of 2.58 V, allowing for a total energy storage of 60 kWh. The system is scalable, allowing for larger energy storage needs.
Importantly, the innovative battery has high resistance to extreme temperatures—operating even at temperatures up to 300°C. This is a significant advantage, especially for industrial energy storage systems where stability and safety in harsh conditions are crucial.
Longer Lifespan and Higher Efficiency
CEO of Altech, Uwe Ahrens, stated that the CERENERGY battery has a lifespan of up to 15 years, which is nearly double that of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Initial tests also showed impressive technological parameters: after over 500 charge and discharge cycles, the battery maintained a capacity of 80 Ah and efficiency of up to 91%.
With its robust construction and innovative technology, the battery also offers high thermal stability, minimizing the risk of overheating, fires, or explosions, which are common issues with conventional lithium-ion-based solutions. Notably, the strong casing, measuring 2.6 × 1 × 0.4 meters with an IP65 protection rating, ensures effective protection against dust and water.
Market Interest and Commercial Prospects
The CERENERGY battery has already attracted market interest. The Schwarze Pumpe industrial park in Saxony expressed interest in purchasing this technology by signing a letter of intent for the delivery of 30 MWh per year for five years. This indicates the significant market potential of the new product, particularly in light of the growing demand for renewable energy sources and more sustainable energy storage systems.
In response to this interest, Altech is preparing to build a factory with a production capacity of 120 MWh per year, enabling the company to meet the demand for larger quantities of batteries.
Advantages Over Traditional Solutions
One of the key advantages of the CERENERGY battery is its use of cheap and readily available table salt, which reduces production costs by up to 40% compared to lithium-ion batteries. The latter rely on expensive materials such as lithium, cobalt, and graphite. Additionally, the sodium-chloride technology is much more environmentally friendly, as it does not require the extraction of rare materials that are often sourced in environmentally damaging ways.
The Future of CERENERGY Batteries
Some experts see this solution as a potential game-changer for the energy storage market. It is expected to be safer, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly compared to traditional batteries. Altech has demonstrated that it is possible to create modern energy storage systems with better parameters that are also more accessible both financially and in terms of raw materials.
Both the longer lifespan of the battery and its stability in extreme conditions make a strong case for broader adoption of this technology. Now, the focus shifts to mass production and further testing to confirm the commercial viability of the solution.
Source: renewablesnow.com