Next generation rechargeable and sustainable zinc-air batteries (ZABAT)

Energy storage technologies are essential to reach the mid- (2030) and long-term (2050) EU climate and energy goals. Particularly, batteries are crucial to include intermittent renewables such as wind and solar into the EU grid. Hence, for the stability and security of Europe’s energy supply. Aligned with that, ZABAT will develop and validate a rechargeable zinc-air battery to enable cost-effective behind-the-meter energy storage applications for industry and household coupled with renewables. ZABAT aims to develop a critical material free energy storage system, with at least 300 Wh/kg and more than 2000 hours cycle life. The technology is based on abundant zinc, thus reducing the use of critical raw materials such as lithium, natural graphite and cobalt, while promoting the circular economy, as set by the United Nations in the sustainable development goals. ZABAT will also address environmental, toxicity, and societal impact of the materials and processes related to rechargeable zinc-air batteries through sustainable and circularity assessments. SINTEF is working on the development of an gel-based electrolyte for zinc-air batteries.

Energy Storage technologies are essential to reach the mid- (2030) and long-term (2050) EU climate and energy goals. Particularly, batteries are crucial to include renewables (wind, solar…) into the EU grid. Hence, for the stability and security of Europe’s energy supply. Aligned with that, ZABAT will develop and validate a rechargeable Zn-Air battery to enable cost-effective behind-the-meter energy storage applications for industry and household coupled with renewables. ZABAT aims to develop a critical material free energy storage system, with at least 300 Wh Kg-1 and > 2,000 hours cycle life. The technology is based on abundant Zn, thus reducing the use of CRMs (i.e., lithium, natural graphite and cobalt) while promoting the circular economy, as set by the United Nations in the sustainable development goals. ZABAT will also address environmental, toxicity, and societal impact of the materials and processes related to r-ZAB technology through sustainable and circularity assessments.