Altech has appointed Leadec as lead engineer for its solid state battery plant's DFS. Pic: via Getty Images
share
Altech is another step closer toward commercialising its sodium alumina solid state battery technology, following the appointment of a lead engineer for the Definitive Feasibility Study.
Germany’s Leadec Automation & Engineering GmbH will carry out engineering work for the 100 megawatt hour CERENERGY® 100MWh Sodium Alumina Solid State Battery project to be constructed in Saxony.
Leadec, a leading global service specialist for factories across their entire life cycle and related infrastructure, has 60 years’ experience supporting customers in the manufacturing industries: from planning, installation, and automation of the factories.
This includes supporting OEMs and suppliers in the field of battery production and e-mobility with coverage across the complete spectrum from cell production, module and pack production to solutions in the area of recycling and battery disassembly.
Teaming up for more power
Altech Chemicals (ASX:ATC) reached a joint venture in September 2022 with world-leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS to commercialise the latter’s CERENERGY® sodium alumina solid state battery technology.
It will achieve this by building the battery plant on Altech’s land in Schwarze Pumpe, Saxony, with the Altech group holding 75% of the JV company.
Managing Director Iggy Tan stated “We are pleased to appoint Leadec as lead engineer for Altech’s CERENERGY® 100MWh project”.
“Leadec has extensive battery manufacturing experience and will play a key part in advancing the Definitive Feasibility Study to commercialise the CERENERGY® Sodium Alumina Solid State Batteries.”
Potential game changer
Fraunhofer IKTS uses ceramic solid state technology, common table salt and nickel to manufacture fire and explosion-proof batteries with a life span of more than 15 years, which is up to twice the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries.
These batteries are also capable of operating in extreme cold and desert climates.
The most important point in its favour though may be that the batteries do not require any lithium, cobalt, graphite or copper, which eliminates exposure to critical metal prices and supply chain concerns.
Energy capacity is comparable to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, though they require longer charge times that make them more suitable for grid storage where very high power in a short period (like high-power EVs) is not required.
Altech’s proposed plant will produce sodium alumina solid state battery packs, at a production cost about 40% to 50% cheaper than lithium-ion batteries.
Altech Chemicals Interactive Investor Hub
Engage with Altech directly by asking questions, watching video summaries and seeing what other shareholders have to say about this, as well as past announcements, at our Investor Hub: investorhub.altechchemicals.com
This article was developed in collaboration with Altech Chemicals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
Read MoreTech
