Paving the Way for Gigawatt-Scale Sodium Chloride Battery Manufacturing and Revolutionizing Energy Storage
Dresden, Germany – March 23, 2025 – Altech Advanced Materials AG, the German subsidiary of Perth-based Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX:ATC), today announced it has received environmental and construction approvals to proceed with the development of its 120 MWh CERENERGY® GridPack production facility in Saxony, Germany. This significant milestone marks a crucial step forward in the company’s ambitious plan to commercialize its innovative sodium chloride solid-state battery technology and establish a leading position in the rapidly expanding energy storage market.
The project, representing an investment of approximately €156 million ($170 million), has been the subject of intensive development and planning since the application process began in September 2023. The approvals follow the completion of a definitive feasibility study (DFS) in March 2024, which demonstrated compelling economic viability even at the initial production line capacity. The DFS projects a pre-tax net present value of €169 million, annual revenue of €106 million, a €51 million EBITDA, and a remarkably short 3.7-year payback period.
“The CERENERGY project is now ready for implementation at an operational level,” stated Uwe Ahrens, CEO of Altech Advanced Materials AG. “The market is waiting for our innovative battery technology, as the letters of intent that have already been signed clearly demonstrate. We are incredibly excited to move forward with this project and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.”
Revolutionary Battery Technology
Altech’s CERENERGY® batteries represent a significant advancement in energy storage technology. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, these solid-state batteries utilize a sodium chloride electrolyte encased within a ceramic tube, eliminating the risk of flammable liquid electrolytes and plastic separators. This design dramatically enhances safety and contributes to a significantly lower carbon footprint. The batteries operate effectively across a wide temperature range (-20°C to +60°C), boast a lifespan exceeding 15 years, and are inherently safer.
The company’s 1 MWh GridPack (ABS1000) integrates a 60 kWh sodium chloride solid-state battery, offering a pre-installed solution specifically designed for renewable energy and grid storage applications. However, Altech envisions a far broader application for its technology, targeting industries such as data centers, heavy industry (steel and chemical sectors), and other areas demanding robust and reliable energy storage.
Sustainable Manufacturing and Low Carbon Footprint
A key differentiator for CERENERGY® batteries is their remarkably low carbon footprint. The technology boasts a scope of carbon emissions of just 14 kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour – a substantial improvement over existing battery technologies. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing global demand for environmentally responsible energy solutions.
The development of the Saxony facility is a collaborative effort, with German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS remaining a 25% joint venture partner in the CERENERGY project. This partnership leverages the expertise of both organizations to accelerate the commercialization of the technology.
Successful Prototype Testing
Recent testing of a 60 kWh sodium chloride solid-state battery energy storage system at Fraunhofer IKTS’ test laboratory yielded exceptionally promising results. The prototype passed all physical tests “with flying colors,” demonstrating exceptional efficiency and robust performance across all key metrics. Notably, the battery maintained excellent thermal stability, a critical factor for high-capacity energy storage systems.
Key results from over 500 cycles revealed a consistent discharge capacity of 80 Ah and an efficiency of up to 91%. Rigorous discharge and overcharge stress and abuse tests, including operation at temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius, were conducted on nearly 500 individual cells without any failures. These results underscore the reliability and durability of the CERENERGY® technology.
Next Steps and Future Outlook
With the approvals now secured, Altech is focused on finalizing construction plans and initiating the build-out of the Saxony facility. The company anticipates commencing production within [Insert Anticipated Timeline – e.g., 18-24 months]. The initial 120 MWh facility is designed to be scalable, with plans to expand production capacity to meet anticipated market demand.
Altech’s vision extends beyond the initial facility, with ambitions to establish a global network of CERENERGY® battery manufacturing plants. The company is actively exploring opportunities to expand its presence in key markets worldwide.
The development of the Saxony facility represents a significant milestone for Altech Batteries and a major step forward in the advancement of solid-state battery technology. The company is confident that its innovative CERENERGY® batteries will play a vital role in shaping the future of energy storage.
About Altech Batteries Ltd
Altech Batteries Ltd is an Australian-based company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative battery technologies. The company’s CERENERGY® solid-state battery technology represents a significant advancement in energy storage, offering enhanced safety, performance, and sustainability.
