Energy supplier E.ON and energy storage technology firm Superdielectrics have joined forces to promote and develop a new battery technology for stationary storage applications.
The new BESS technology takes a unique approach by using a polymer-based technology, with the main component being a membrane similar to contact lens materials. According to the two companies, these polymer batteries are both more affordable and more environmentally friendly than their lithium-ion counterparts.
Superdielectrics unveiled their Faraday I polymer-based battery last year, and now E.ON will work together with the company to upgrade, develop and promote the technology. The technology is aimed at giving customers more control of their home energy use, and Superdielectrics estimates that its technology could save consumers up to 85% on their domestic energy bills. E.ON will be using its data on the energy needs and usage of its millions of customers, including a number of EV owners, to help Superdielectrics fine-tune its technology for home use.
According to Superdielectrics, the battery can be fully charged in as little as half an hour, compared to multiple hours for other battery types, does not rely on rare earth metals to build, is made from readily available non-flammable materials that are easily recyclable, and has a comparable lifespan to existing battery technology.
Superdielectrics has stated that it is currently working on major upgrades to the technology in an effort to move towards commercial development, and has said that it intends to make an important announcement about the development of its technology later this year.
Jim Heathcote, chief executive of Superdielectrics said that the support and insight of “globally respected energy group” E.ON will enable the firm to bring the technology into production far sooner. He added: “We believe that our technology has the potential to revolutionise power generation and consumption and deliver enormous environmental and cost benefits to millions of people.”
Julian Lennertz, chief commercial officer at E.ON Next, agreed and added: “Superdielectrics’ technology could be a vital part of creating a cleaner, lower-cost energy future for everyone.”
The rollout of battery storage in the UK is increasingly looking beyond the current industry standard of lithium-ion, although this has largely focused on large-scale systems for long-duration energy storage (LDES) applications. Late last month, Invinity Energy Systems secured an agreement with the UK government to develop a 20.7MWh vanadium flow battery system to be located in the south east of England, which is expected to begin commercial operations in 2026.
