Batri Secures Major Funding for Sodium-Ion Battery Project

NZIW


A Batri-led consortium is excited to announce a new era of clean energy innovation is unfolding in Wales

Batri, a leading UK company specialising in sodium-ion battery materials and technology, is delighted to have achieved significant funding from Innovate UK, highlighting the UK Government’s commitment to innovation, growth and investment into the sector. 

This pivotal investment will advance Batri’s mission to develop sustainable, locally sourced energy storage solutions for the UK and beyond, through the project, SNaP: Stable sodium-ion battery packs for stationary energy storage applications. Highlighting its growing presence in the global energy storage market, Batri, together with partners in Korea, will incorporate UK-designed and -manufactured cells into domestic and industrial energy storage units, heralding a major breakthrough in next-generation battery technology.

At the heart of the project is Batri’s proprietary sodium-ion anode material, which provides a robust, versatile foundation for the new generation of high-performance sodium-ion cells. Acting as a catalyst for cell developers everywhere, the groundbreaking anode material is also available to external parties seeking to integrate sodium-ion technology into future products, underscoring Batri’s commitment to collaboration and industry-wide progress.

Batri’s sodium-ion cells offer improved safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Crucially, the company’s approach prioritises the creation of a locally sourced supply chain for key active materials, reducing reliance on imported critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt, and bolstering UK businesses and communities.

“Batri is proud to be leading this exciting project,” says Tony Miles, CEO of Batri. “We’re thrilled to be working with our UK and international partners – including Korea BTS, Ulsan Technopark, Kangwon National University, AMTC, and Swansea University – to bring a certified sodium-ion battery product to Asian and European markets. This collaboration will enable us to create high-quality batteries that meet the needs of industries worldwide while promoting sustainable practices.”

The SNaP project will focus on delivering demonstration units featuring Batri’s proprietary sodium-ion cell technology. These units will become a central part of Batri’s product portfolio, showcasing the advantages of sodium-ion technology for static energy storage across multiple sectors.

“Batri’s expertise in anode material synthesis is a game-changer for the project,” adds Dr Taeo Kim, Partner at Korea BTS (South Korea). “By combining our knowledge of battery systems with Batri’s innovative materials, we’re confident that we can create a leading-edge product that meets the demands of the global market.”

Backed by Innovate UK, the project builds on Batri’s success in the Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP), highlighting the vital role of secure, scalable global supply chains in bringing emerging technologies to market. This funding will also accelerate Batri’s research, development, and commercialisation efforts, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in sodium-ion battery technology.

“We’re delighted to have secured this funding,” says Dr Stephen Hughes, Chief Technology Officer at Batri. “It’s a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to creating innovative solutions that drive growth and sustainability.”

The UK-based consortium includes Swansea University, whose world-leading expertise in sodium-ion battery cells is pivotal to maximising the performance of the project’s new battery technology.

Professor Serena Margadonna, Royal Society Industrial Fellow and Chair in Materials Engineering, comments: “Batri and Swansea University have established an effective partnership that is delivering tangible results. By combining cutting-edge research in sustainable energy storage solutions with Batri’s robust industrial expertise and market pathways, this collaboration showcases the best of Welsh talent. It also highlights the international standing of Welsh R&D, positioning our region at the forefront of next-generation energy storage solutions and attracting significant investment into our historic manufacturing region.”

“As we move toward a net-zero future, the energy storage industry must adapt to support a decarbonised energy grid. This remarkable project exemplifies how collaboration and the exchange of ideas between the UK and South Korea can accelerate the development of innovative technologies and business practices. I am excited to see how these advancements will elevate energy storage systems, driving performance and shaping the future of energy”. Ben Walsh, Deputy Challenge Director, Faraday Battery Challenge.

Within the international collaboration, Ulsan Technopark will contribute its proven track record in technological and industrial advancement:

“At Ulsan Technopark, we believe sodium-ion batteries represent a major market opportunity,” says President Young Shin Cho, Ulsan Technopark. “We are excited to be part of this programme. Our mission to drive SME innovation expands here to include UK-based companies, and we are sure our expertise will lead to an extremely positive outcome for this international collaboration.”

Kangwon National University also serves as a key academic partner:

“International collaborations allow the sharing of knowledge and information that is paramount to academic rigour and excellence,” explains Assistant Professor Sung Hun Choi. “We’re proud to work alongside world-leading experts from the UK and Korea, establishing enduring relationships that elevate our collective research.”

AMTC (South Korea) brings further industrial insights:

“I would like to express my gratitude to Batri and its leadership, which led to the fruition of this project,” says Mr Park, International Business Development, AMTC. “We hope this collaboration will form a solid foundation for further R&D initiatives, expanding research areas and strengthening our relationship with Batri and Swansea University.”

The South Wales region, famed for its historic leadership in materials and manufacturing, is poised to spark a new Industrial Revolution centred on renewable energy and advanced technology.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, says: “Batri Ltd is integral to proposals for a major new renewable energy project in Swansea, so it’s very encouraging to see their local and international partnerships going from strength to strength. Swansea once led the world in copper production, and now, through collaborations like this, South West Wales can be at the forefront of renewable energy innovation for decades to come.”

For more information about Batri and its sodium-ion battery technology, please visit www.batri.com.

UK funding for the project is supplied through Innovate UK, a division of UKRI, with KETEP supporting the South Korean partners.

This press release was originally published on Batri, and has been republished here with permission.