ZnOrgBAT

Efficient and long-duration stationary energy storage plays a key role in the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. The storage demand is experiencing intensive growth due to the booming increase of EV market. Due to the lack of tailored devices, modified versions of Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) originally developed for mobility applications are extensively used for this purpose. However, these devices are not capable of meeting the desirable requirements of energy density (350 Wh/kg), power density, service life (10 years) and fire safety. Additionally, Li is on the Critical Raw Material (CRM) list, exposed to the supply disturbances and high price volatility. A new generation of Zn-based batteries will offer an optimal alternative. In the project a prototype with an outstanding energy density will be tested in a relevant environment. The early-stage prototype will demonstrate an energy density of 500 Wh/Kg. The market price target is within 30 - 50 €/kWh, which is 5 times lower than commercial LiBs. Technological progress will enable addressing the requirements of community building and the connection of relevant stakeholders from the ESEE RIS region in the battery value chain, building capacity in students and professionals, also targeting potential customers. The main objectives of the project are to create Zn-battery prototypes and to establish a start-up company, taking the demonstrated batteries forward on the market.