Battery Network Resources

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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Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 3 – Advanced materials

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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Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 2 – Raw materials and recycling

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 2 – Raw materials and recycling

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 Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 4 – Cell manufacturing and design

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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Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 6 – Application and integration: Stationary

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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Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 2 – Raw materials and recycling

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 2 – Raw materials and recycling

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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Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 2 – Raw materials and recycling

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 2 – Raw materials and recycling

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 1 – New and emerging battery technologies
• Working Group 3 – Advanced materials
• Working Group 6 – Application and integration: Stationary

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 1 – New and emerging battery technologies
• Working Group 6 – Application and integration: stationary

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 3 – Advanced materials
• Working Group 4 – Cell design and manufacturing

The growing demand for 735 GWh of battery power for electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025 and 125 million EVs by 2033 highlights the need for better solutions. However, safety remains a big concern, shown by two recent ship fires involving luxury EVs, despite strict safety protocols. Addressing these issues is essential for the EV industry’s sustainable growth. The EU-funded SAFELOOP project is working to improve EV battery safety. It involves 15 groups from 11 countries and focuses on the entire battery lifecycle, including making, testing and recycling batteries. By using up to 25 % recycled materials and creating a European supply chain, SAFELOOP paves the way to achieve a 90 % recycling rate within a decade.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 1 – New and emerging battery technologies
• Working Group 2 – Raw materials and recycling

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 3 – Advanced materials
• Working Group 6 – Application and integration: Stationary

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 6 – Application and integration: Stationary

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 3 – Advanced materials
• Working Group 4 – Cell design and manufacturing

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.

You can learn more about it here.

Batteries Europe Working Groups:

• Working Group 3 – Advanced materials