Battery Network Resources

Developing sustainable, high-energy rechargeable batteries is a challenge in storing energy from renewable sources. Although Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are promising due to their superior performance, their energy density needs improvement. Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are promising electrode materials, but new design strategies are required to increase their capacity and voltage. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the BipoCOFs project aims to develop high-energy-density cathodes by creating two-dimensional redox-bipolar COFs. This involves combining n-type and p-type moieties within the same COF. The project also aims to optimise electrode conductivity and ion diffusion. It merges the fields of organic batteries and COFs, covering synthetic organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and materials science, and aims to further develop energy storage.

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The ongoing impact of climate change and the energy crisis presents formidable socioeconomic challenges. Developing cutting-edge energy storage technologies is imperative for ensuring a clean and affordable energy supply. While current Li-ion technology has served well, it is reaching its limits in performance and environmental impact. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the CiPBAT project will explore novel cathode materials for high-energy reversible magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) ion storage, potentially revolutionising battery technology. It proposes a novel approach using 1D linear coordination polymer-based cathode materials. By synthesising conjugated sulfonamide-based compounds, the project aims to achieve high-voltage operation and cycling stability. Success could revolutionise battery technology, offering sustainable, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

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Developing high-energy-density rechargeable batteries is critical for addressing energy and environmental challenges due to the increasing demand for portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid energy storage. However, progress is hindered by a lack of understanding of processes at electrode/electrolyte interfaces, leading to issues like short cycle life and dendrite formation. The bottleneck lies in the unresolved atomic-scale interfacial chemistry, which is due to inadequate analytical tools. In this context, the ERC-funded INTERACT project will use atom probe tomography and novel cryogenic techniques to decode the mysteries of solid electrolyte interphases and pave the way for advanced battery technologies.

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The rapid growth of electric mobility presents a pressing challenge: the need for safer and more sustainable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Current LIB technology often faces issues with safety, limited lifespan, and reliance on scarce resources. In this context, the EU-funded INERRANT project aims to pioneer advancements in materials, processes, and characterisation methods. It is also driving the development of safer, longer-lasting, and eco-friendly LIBs tailored for the expanding demands of electromobility. With a consortium of 11 European partners and one from the USA, INERRANT promises not just scientific advancements, but a viable path to commercialisation, driving the future of electromobility towards safer, greener horizons.

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In the race towards sustainable road transport, the EU faces a hurdle: the current battery supply chain lacks traceability, sustainability, and circularity. This is a challenge for the region’s competitiveness in electric vehicles. The EU-funded BASE project aims to revolutionise this landscape with its Digital Battery Passport (DBP). By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as distributed ledgers, BASE ensures transparent and secure data management from raw materials to end-of-life recycling. This innovation not only enhances battery performance and safety but also reduces dependency on critical raw materials from non-EU countries. Through pilot implementations and robust methodologies, BASE promises a greener future by extending battery life, marking a significant stride towards EU’s climate neutrality goals.

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Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are a promising technology that will be hugely important in the ever-growing battery market, and the EU has a unique opportunity to rise in the global battery market by becoming an early player in this sector. In this context, the EU-funded SOLVE project, in coordination with a consortium of key industry and academic actors in the battery sector, aims to take advantage of the vast R&D base already present and help scale it up for the arrival of SSB Gen4b mass production. The project will introduce innovations to overcome significant barriers to sector growth along the value chain, pre-develop digital tools and models for SSB design, and improve business models and training.

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The EU-funded MeBattery project aims to lay the foundations of a next-generation battery technology that will potentially help overcome the critical limitations of established flow and static battery systems in energy storage. The proposed battery technology will leverage the intrinsic benefits of a redox flow battery system. It will rely on a combination of radically new thermodynamical concepts that should enable achieving an excellent balance between all key performance indicators: sustainability, cycle life, recyclability, energy and power decoupling, cost and energy density. MeBattery brings together a team of specialists who will contribute their complementary expertise in computational science, materials science, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, electrochemistry and battery prototyping.

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Building on an innovative thermal battery technology, the EIC-funded THERMOCASE project aims to establish a business case for this technology, focusing on its application in high-temperature industrial heat processes. The goal is to demonstrate the commercial potential of the technology through engagement with potential users, comprehensive cost assessments, and a thorough exploration of market dynamics. THERMOCASE adopts a customer-centric approach to ensure the technology aligns with market requirements, preferences, and behaviours. The project also assesses scalability and replicability. The anticipated impact is substantial, including decarbonisation, enhanced energy efficiency, and the development of a sustainable market for high-temperature heat solutions. Overall, THERMOCASE bridges innovative technology with practical market implementation.

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Battery technology plays a crucial role in electrical machinery, vehicles, and various components, serving as a cornerstone for developing, integrating, and advancing novel renewable energy solutions and energy storage technologies. However, the value chain of most batteries heavily relies on harmful critical raw materials and often involves highly polluting manufacturing processes, posing significant environmental risks. The EU-funded STREAMS project aims to showcase, develop, and validate 12 scalable and adaptable technologies focused on the sustainable production of battery-grade precursors and corresponding anode and cathode active materials. It will demonstrate these solutions using primary, secondary, and recycled materials, with the outcomes poised to substantially enhance European competitiveness.

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On 16 March 2023 the EC published the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) proposal that sets “benchmarks along the strategic raw materials value chain and for the diversification of the EU supplies”. By targeting the domestic refining of three “strategic” battery-related CRMs, i.e. Ni, Co and Mn, the CICERO project addresses the second CRMA benchmark: i.e. > 40% domestic processing/refining. To tackle the twin problems of (1) Europe’s dependence on a few third countries (i.e. DRC, Indonesia, China) for the supply of Ni, Co and Mn for our NMC Li-ion battery production, and (2) the fact that these metals are currently produced at a huge cost in terms of environment, health and safety, CICERO puts in place a sustainable, cost-effective refining model for Ni, Co and Mn, and the downstream conversion into “made-in-Europe” NMC cathodes. The CICERO project is the first ever to develop a circular hydrometallurgical Ni, Co & Mn processing/refining scheme that uses methanesulphonic acid (MSA) – a commercial, green, REACH-compliant & affordable acid – rather than H2SO4. CICERO recovers, refines and converts Ni, Co and Mn from domestically available secondary raw materials: (a) post-mining raw materials (sulphide & laterite tailings) and (b) Ni/Co/Mn-bearing intermediates incl. MSP, FeNi, Ni-matte and Mn-anode sludge. To achieve this, CICERO develops a suite of novel metallurgical unit processes for advanced MSA leaching and solution purification, the conversion to battery-grade MSA salts, and the synthesis of NMC cathodes in MSA media, with sound reagent regeneration & iron recovery in line with the Twelve Principles of Circular Hydrometallurgy. This research is supported by advanced thermodynamic & kinetic modelling for solid-liquid & liquid-liquid equilibria relevant for Ni/Co/Mn processing/refining in MSA media. CICERO introduces a new paradigm for metallurgical processing/refining and increases society’s acceptance of, and trust in, sustainable CRM production in Europe.

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The global demand for advanced batteries is surging, driven by the electric vehicle revolution and renewable energy storage needs. However, traditional manufacturing methods struggle to keep pace, facing challenges in efficiency, quality, and trustworthiness. In this context, the EU-funded BatCAT project is pioneering a transformative solution. Specifically, it is aligning with the BATTERY 2030+ Roadmap to construct a Digital Twin for battery manufacturing, merging data-driven and physics-based methods. It tackles the triple challenge of design, operation, and trust, enhancing product quality and process efficiency. Through its interpretable industrial decision support system and real-time data analysis, BatCAT empowers decision-makers in Industry 5.0 environments. Crucially, its rigorous approach ensures trustworthy models, fostering transparency and reliability.

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Li-ion batteries play a crucial role in Europe’s energy transition, yet production dominance lies with China, Korea, and Japan. To counter this dependency, Europe plans to establish 25 new gigafactories amounting to EUR 35 billion by 2030. However, defects are anticipated to occur at rates ranging from 15 % to 30 % during the initial ramp-up phase. In response, the EU-funded BATTwin project aims to mitigate defect rates in battery production by implementing a comprehensive approach. This involves integrating a multi-sensor data acquisition and management layer, a Digital Battery Passport data model, process-level digital twins, and system-level digital twins to facilitate Zero-Defect Manufacturing. The platform incorporates user-centric, goal-driven digital twin workflows to guide users in system design and control.

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Batteries used in automotive and energy storage industries play a pivotal role in transitioning towards clean energy. However, the current Battery Management System (BMS) used in Flexible Lithium-ion Batteries (FLBs) lacks interoperability features, leading to a time-consuming, expensive, and non-standardised reconfiguration process for Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries (SLBs). Consequently, repurposing FLBs for SLB applications, such as energy storage systems (ESS), poses significant challenges. Addressing this issue, the EU-funded BIG LEAP project aims to develop solutions for SLBs’ BMS and its reconfiguration process. The project will introduce a new three-layer BMS architecture emphasising interoperability, safety, and reliability, alongside an adaptable ESS design. Furthermore, the project seeks to optimise the battery reconfiguration process, making it cost-effective, faster, and standardised.

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The rapid increase of EV share in automotive industry has led to an increase in battery consumption, resulting in a pressing environmental issue: battery waste. As batteries reach the end of their initial lifespan, their disposal contributes to pollution and resource depletion. A solution is needed to extend battery usability and minimise environmental impact. In this context, the EU-funded Battery2Life project aims to transform used batteries into valuable assets by revolutionising battery system designs and management. By introducing adaptable smart battery management system and innovative reconfiguration methods, Battery2Life paves the way for a sustainable second life for batteries. Two pioneering design frameworks cater to evolving market demands, while a novel BMS architecture promises enhanced adaptability and reliability.

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As the need for effective battery waste management grows, NMC, LFP and Na-ion batteries contribute significantly to this challenge, accounting for 85 % of the problem. Traditional recycling methods prove inadequate, lacking efficiency and eco-friendliness. That’s where the EU-funded REVITALISE project comes in, with an innovative solution. Utilising cutting-edge techniques like electrohydraulic fragmentation and ultrasonication for material purity, REVITALISE aims to revolutionise battery recycling. Furthermore, it introduces water remediation, extracting lithium from wastewater streams. Collaborating with industry leaders Verkor, Hydro and Hydrovolt, the project ensures closed-loop recycling, optimising recovery rates while minimising environmental impact. The goal is a commercially viable process with minimal environmental impact, incorporating hydrometallurgy. REVITALISE sets a new standard for green, cost-effective battery recycling, guiding us towards a sustainable future.

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The electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly, leading to a rise in Lithium-ion battery volume. Consequently, battery recycling is crucial for environmental preservation and fostering a circular economy. New recycling concepts need to demonstrate efficiency and sustainability. The EU-funded RENOVATE project aims to reduce battery material waste in landfills and increase the availability of battery precursors in the European battery ecosystem by reusing 100 % of in-specification cell fractions. The project will design and validate closed-loop processes for recycling end-of-life batteries to achieve a ‘net zero carbon’ process. Additionally, it will reintegrate side streams into recycling processes, minimise residues from battery production, and support the green and digital transformation of the European battery industry.

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Sustainable and efficient battery recycling is essential for the European Li-ion battery value chain and aligns with the Battery Partnership’s objectives under Horizon Europe. The EU-funded ReUse project aims to improve the sustainability of low-value LFP battery waste. It will develop new recycling processes to recover input elements and components from the entire waste stream. ReUse has specific objectives, including developing automated sorting and disassembly strategies, improving recycling efficiency, directly reusing battery materials, and ensuring sustainability through life cycle assessment, costing, and social impact studies. It aims to create a direct, sustainable recycling process that can work with waste streams of different compositions and quality, increasing the competitiveness of the European battery ecosystem.

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Energy storage systems (ESS) are increasingly vital due to the rise of renewable energy sources. However, current ESS technology faces challenges related to fire safety, sustainability, and inflexible energy and power design. In this context, the EU-funded SMHYLES project will develop sustainable hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) by combining two low critical raw material storage technologies. The project will design, construct, deploy and demonstrate two types of HESS (aqueous-based and salt-based) and demonstrate storage capacity extension of an existing HESS. These will be used for various applications, including islanded grids, industrial microgrids, provision of grid services, and electric vehicle charging, across demonstration sites in Portugal and Germany. Additionally, the project will develop digital twins to enhance system monitoring and optimisation.

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Rising energy demands coupled with the intermittent nature of renewable sources pose significant challenges to grid stability and sustainability. This gap hampers the integration of renewables and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, hindering progress toward a greener future. In this context, the EU-funded HAVEN project takes a comprehensive approach to develop a cutting-edge, sustainable, and safe Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS). By integrating high-energy and high-power storage technologies with advanced cognitive functionalities and cyber-secured energy management tools, HAVEN aims to create a modular, scalable, and cost-efficient solution. Moreover, it pioneers the development of a flexible Digital Twin, ensuring predictive maintenance and performance optimisation. The focus is on grid support services and electric vehicle charging.

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Envisioned battery demand of 735 GWh for electric mobility by 2025, escalating to a projected 125 million Electric Vehicles (EVs) by 2033, fuels our impetus for innovation. However, these prospects are marred by real safety concerns, evidenced by 2 harrowing ship fires involving luxury EVs, despite adherence to the most stringent safety protocols.
SAFELOOP is a collaborative effort involving 15 entities from 11 countries, representing a blend of research, manufacturing, and business across Europe. Transatlantic partners are joining forces to bolster competitive material-level technologies and supply chain logistics. Key goals include securing strategic raw material feedstock, reducing reliance on Asian supply chains, intensifying environmental sustainability, optimizing energy-efficient processing, and demonstrating technological leadership.
SAFELOOP’s focal point is Gen3 EU EV Li-Ion Battery (LIB) safety, encompassing the entire life cycle of LIBs within EVs. Safety is considered in a broader sense, not just at a cell level, while the latter remains a key pillar of the research at hand. To name a few, material handling, component processing, battery manufacturing, testing, transport, maintenance, and recycling of active materials are considered. A Eurocentric supply chain for EV-grade battery materials will be established, minimizing the environmental and cost impact of long-distance transportation. SAFELOOP ensures that batteries and their components adhere to EU safety and environmental regulations.
Beyond enhancing EU battery safety, the project seeks to develop the world’s first EV-rated LIB using up to 25% recycled and fully rejuvenated battery-active materials. This initiative paves the way for an ambitious industry-wide recycling target of 90% within the next decade, akin to today’s lead-acid battery industry’s 95% recycling rate. These ecologically responsible solutions address key aspects of automotive battery safety within the EU and beyond.

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