CEAMS CASE STUDY: LiNa ENERGY
LiNa Energy harnessed CPI’s technical expertise, R&D facilities and industry networks to test and commercialise a safer, more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
1. The Challenge
SME LiNa Energy is developing a low-cost, cobalt and lithium-free, solid-state sodium battery technology that is targeted at the energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) markets.
As demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to grow, businesses are facing pressure to find more efficient, safer and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion is the current gold standard for battery technology, but lithium mining and extraction have had severe environmental impacts. The rising cost of cobalt, another key ingredient, makes it unsuitable for large scale production.
LiNa Energy needed support with optimising and validating the capabilities of their innovative technology – as well as sharing these with industry and investors.
2. The Solution
At the heart of CEAMS is a collaborative network comprising leading academic research institutions and cutting-edge facilities. CPI, a CEAMS partner, is a technology and innovation catalyst that helps companies take promising technologies from research to commercialisation through its facilities, tailored expertise, and extensive network.
CPI's expertise in hydrometallurgical separation methods helped LiNa Energy enhance the efficiency of their metal extraction and separation process, crucial for advancing their battery technology. They also supported with the development of tailored inks and improved quality control methods. This ensured the finished batteries met specifications throughout the research, development and manufacturing process.
In collaboration with CPI, LiNa Energy optimised layering techniques to improve battery performance, addressing key challenges such as safety and longevity. By leveraging low-cost components and modular designs, they laid the foundation for simpler and more cost-effective recycling processes, essential for widespread adoption across sectors like electric vehicles and renewable grid storage.
Supported by funding from Innovate UK, CPI also played a vital role in raising visibility for LiNa Energy's innovations, connecting them with industry stakeholders and investors. This strategic partnership accelerated the development of LiNa Energy's sodium-metal-chloride battery technology, culminating in the creation of a 1kWh battery energy storage demonstrator and advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) to fully functional prototype stage (TRL5).
3. The Impact
LiNa Energy’s collaboration with CPI has not only proven its Na-MTL-CI battery to be a viable and scalable alternative to traditional Li-ion batteries but has also demonstrated comparable performance and cost competitiveness. This achievement marks a significant milestone in LiNa Energy’s efforts to decarbonise automotive transport and provide efficient energy solutions for industrial and commercial users globally.
The project's success has not only advanced LiNa Energy's technology but has also elevated its standing as a market leader in greener energy storage solutions, positioning the company as a catalyst for change in the UK energy storage landscape.
Moving forward, CEAMS will continue to play a crucial role as a bridge between academic research expertise and commercial exploitation, supporting LiNa Energy in scaling up and commercialising a mid-sized battery ideal for behind-the-meter installation.