Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX:ATC) joint venture subsidiary Altech Batteries GmbH (ABG) has started the permitting and licensing application process for the CERENERGY® battery project in Schwarze Pumpe, Saxony, Germany.
ABG is currently in joint venture with Fraunhofer IKTS to commercialise a 100 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery plant on Altech’s Saxony landholding, specifically focused on the grid (stationary) energy storage market.
CERENERGY® batteries an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. They are fire and explosion- proof, have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates.
The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free, cobalt-free, graphite-free, and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.
The battery plant intends to produce CERENERGY® battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.
Altech group managing director Iggy Tan said: “We are pleased to have initiated the licensing application for our 100-MWh CERENERGY® battery project so early. Considering that we only executed the joint venture agreements with Fraunhofer IKTS about 12 months ago, this is a tremendous achievement.
“Our approach of being dynamic, quick moving and to run things concurrently, puts Altech in good stead to complete the DFS and continue the financing process. We appreciate the authorities' recognition of our professional and responsible approach, and we're thankful for their exceptional support.”
Permit application success
Altech has joined forces with engineering subcontractor LEADEC and architecture and balance of plant subcontractor ARIKON to successfully submit a permit and licence application for a proposed 100-MWh CERENERGY® battery plant in Germany.
The approval process for such operations in Germany is often governed by the Federal Immission Control Act (BimSchG), which is based on environmental risk impacts.
However, due to the project's minimal environmental and community footprint, the weekly inter-ministerial meeting reached a decision to categorise the CERENERGY® battery installation as a manufacturing plant.
As a result, the project will undergo a state approval process rather than the federal BimSchG process, substantially expediting the approval timeline. The State of Saxony has been exceptionally supportive, setting up an inter-ministerial task force solely to assist Altech in fast-tracking the approval procedure.
In parallel with ongoing efforts for the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and project financing, Altech has proactively initiated the permit and licence application process. This strategy aims to mitigate any potential project delays once funding is in place and bolsters confidence among financial institutions.
More about CERENERGY®
CERENERGY® batteries serve as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries for grid storage. These batteries use table salt and are devoid of lithium, cobalt, graphite, and copper, thereby mitigating risks related to critical metal price volatility and supply chain issues.
Uniquely, CERENERGY® batteries can function across an expansive temperature range, from minus 40 degrees Celsius to plus 60 degrees Celsius. This capability makes them well-suited for the cold European climates. Moreover, the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of these batteries is at least 50% lower than their lithium-ion counterparts, presenting a more sustainable option.