Ellwangen, Germany – May 2, 2024 – VARTA AG is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking project focused on the development of next-generation sodium-ion batteries. Coordinated by VARTA, the ENTISE project (Development of Sodium Ion Technology for Industrially Scalable Energy Storage) brings together a consortium of 15 companies and universities committed to pioneering high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions. The project received significant backing from the Federal Ministry of Research and Education, which allocated approximately €7.5 million in funding.
The initiative was officially unveiled during a ceremony attended by Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, who presented the funding decision to VARTA representatives, including Dr. Nicolas Bucher, Head of Funded Projects, and Rainer Hald, CTO of VARTA AG. The ENTISE project is set to commence on June 1, 2024, and is designed to revolutionize the energy storage landscape.
Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. With sodium being abundant, inexpensive, and environmentally benign, these batteries are positioned to play a crucial role in sustainable energy storage. The challenge lies in scaling this innovative technology to meet industrial demands, a goal that ENTISE aims to achieve through rigorous research and development.
Rainer Hald remarked, “This project represents a significant milestone for the German battery industry. To further the future of decentralized energy storage, we must explore innovative technologies beyond lithium-ion solutions. Sodium-ion batteries can provide a sustainable alternative for decarbonizing various sectors and supporting the energy transition.”
The ENTISE project will focus on enhancing existing material concepts and processes essential for sodium-ion battery technology. Researchers will work on optimizing cathode and anode materials, improving cycle stability, and developing new electrolytes. A critical aspect of the project involves producing adequate quantities of necessary materials to create resilient laboratory samples and prototypes. By the end of the project, the aim is to transition from laboratory-scale production to pre-industrial pilot testing, collaborating closely with industrial and academic partners.
The project’s final goal includes producing a small series of round cells that will allow for practical assessments in real-world applications, such as electric vehicles and stationary storage systems. The anticipated completion date for ENTISE is mid-2027, at which point a comprehensive evaluation encompassing technical, economic, and ecological dimensions will be conducted.
This initiative underscores VARTA’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge battery technology within Germany and Europe. The support from the German government highlights the importance of sustained investment in battery research, especially amid funding challenges in the sector. VARTA and its consortium partners are eager to push the boundaries of sodium-ion technology, contributing to a sustainable energy future.
Find the original press release here.
