German battery materials developer Altech Advanced Materials AG has successfully put into operation a 60 kWh battery prototype that utilizes ordinary table salt and does not rely on critical raw materials.
The CERENERGY battery is based on sodium chloride solid-state battery technology developed by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany.
The prototype operates within a wide temperature range and boasts a service life of 15 years, approximately twice that of conventional lithium-ion batteries, according to Altech CEO Uwe Ahrens.
Currently installed in a test laboratory at Altech's joint venture partner Fraunhofer IKTS, the prototype will undergo assessments of its efficiency, stability, and overall performance under real-life conditions.
Early indications suggest that the battery exhibits “excellent thermal stability,” a vital characteristic for high-capacity energy storage systems. Additional tests are planned to further evaluate its capabilities.
The Schwarze Pumpe industrial park in Saxony has expressed interest in this innovative product, having signed a letter of intent for an annual offtake of 30 MWh over the next five years.
