Innovate UK Awards £1.5M for Battery Development
Innovate UK's Faraday Battery Challenge (FBC) has announced a £1.5 million allocation to support battery developers in the UK, fostering innovation in battery manufacturing, scale-up, and recycling projects.
Recipients and Opportunity for Scale-Up:
The recipients of the funding were unveiled at the Battery Cells and Systems Expo in Birmingham. These chosen projects will have the chance to scale up their initiatives at the UK Battery Industrialization Centre (UKBIC).
Technological Advancements:
The funded projects encompass various battery technologies, including cylindrical and pouch cell technologies. Additionally, advanced Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) battery technology and a novel cathode active material (CAM) will be introduced to the UK for the first time through these initiatives.
FBC Initiative's Impact:
This investment is part of the larger £610 million FBC initiative, which aims to drive forward battery research and innovation, transitioning from laboratory development to industrial production.
Winning Companies and Project Range:
Among the winning companies are Altilium, Nyobolt, Snapfast, and Volklec. Their projects cover a wide spectrum, from sustainable battery manufacturing to the development of ultra-fast charging technology.
Insights from Industry Leaders:
Tony Harper, Challenge Director for the FBC, emphasized the importance of bringing diverse battery technologies to industrial scale to ensure the UK's success in the transition to electrification. Sean Gilgunn, Managing Director of UKBIC, highlighted the facility's evolving capabilities and its role in bridging the gap between existing scale-up lines and demonstrator lines.
