Comau has joined the SPRINT project to design and develop a scalable manufacturing solution for quasi-solid-state sodium-ion batteries. Part of the Horizon Europe program, SPRINT aims to revolutionize stationary energy storage by developing cost-effective and sustainable sodium-ion batteries. The consortium will also work together to build a safe next-generation battery cell for multiple stationary applications: the first for residential storage and the second for large-scale grid-connected energy storage. This represents an important step toward accelerating Europe’s energy transition and will pave the way for increased safety and sustainability while reducing costs for locally sourced energy storage.
Under the scope of the 46-month project, Comau is tasked with conducting a comprehensive process flow and feasibility study to upscale production of the above-mentioned technology. To do so, the team will examine process optimization considerations, equipment needs and the environmental conditions required for mass production. After which, Comau will design a technology plan to integrate the SPRINT-developed cell technology into existing battery technology lines. The latter will include a clear definition of new or customized equipment developments needed to commercially manufacture the battery cells.
The selected technology, based on innovative NaFePO4, hard-carbon materials, and quasi-solid polymer electrolytes will be validated to fulfill the objective of bringing safe, non-toxic, high-performance battery cells to market that can be mass produced and tailored to end-user needs. In doing so, the consortium aims to achieve significant cost reductions per kilowatt-hour, increased energy densities, an extended battery life cycle and enhanced safety through the innovative, leak-free and non-flammable design. The sodium-ion batteries will use readily available materials from EU supply chains with an eye to further strengthening electrification autonomy within the region.
“Comau’s commitment to energy transformation, coupled with our engineering and process optimization expertise, aligns perfectly with the program’s objective to advance high-performance sodium-based stationary storage solutions,” said Daniela Fontana, Comau’s Battery Innovation Manager. “We have know-how and technologies to contribute to achieve the projects’ goals of reducing costs, improving energy density and power metrics, extending battery life and safety, and paving the way for mass deployment of this valuable new technology.”
Comau’s role in helping facilitate green energy transformation is further reinforced at a European level through major partnerships for the development and expansion of the European battery industry, including the company’s participation in European Battery Alliance (EBA), Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA), within which Gian Carlo Tronzano is an Executive Board Member, Upcell – European Battery Manufacturing Alliance, and the Ensemble consortium. Comau’s Gian Carlo Tronzano also participates in the European Technology & Innovation Platform (ETIP) for batteries.
This project has received funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe Research & Innovation programme under Grant Agreement No.101191903.
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