Altech Chemicals

Altech Batteries is developing ceramic coated sodium-alumina solid state (SAS) batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large scale energy storage applications. Compared to lithium-ion, SAS batteries offer benefits like being fireproof, having a wider operating temperature range, longer cycle life, and not relying on graphite or cobalt. Altech has partnered with the Fraunhofer IKTS Institute in Germany, which developed the SAS technology and operates a SAS battery pilot plant. 

Altech is currently doing a definitive feasibility study for a 100 MWh SAS battery production plant in Germany, where it would be the 75% owner in a joint venture. The plant would produce 10,000 x 10 kWh battery modules per year. Altech estimates the SAS battery production costs could be 40-50% cheaper than comparable lithium iron phosphate batteries.

Recently, Altech produced its first 60 kWh SAS battery pack. The company sees grid-connected energy storage as the ideal market for SAS batteries compared to lithium-ion. Altech is in discussions with potential offtake partners and aims to disrupt the energy storage market with a cheaper, safer, longer lasting battery alternative.