Combining knowledge from industry and research: the key to Europe’s lead battery innovation

As Europe stives for energy independence and a transition to a low-carbon future, the role of batteries underpinning this shift continues to grow in importance. The lead battery, as a product as well as the industry behind it, is powering Europe’s drive for innovative technologies

At the Consortium for Battery Innovation, we believe that the cornerstone in accelerating EU innovation relies on bringing together the expansive knowledge of academia to the applications-driven markets. By doing so, it’s possible to pool knowledge from a range of battery experts to advance lead battery technology for all applications, from energy storage systems to automotive.

Creating this synergy through battery research follows through our technical programs; each with the aim of improving the many applications of lead batteries. Given hybrids and micro-hybrids are predicted to represent over 80% of new vehicles in Europe by 2030, the advanced lead batteries they rely on deliver greater fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions and are therefore key to driving innovation in the automotive market.

Our members are proud to work with top-tier innovation organisations across Europe such as Fraunhofer ISC, alongside Fords Research & Advanced Engineering Europe, TU Berlin and Moll Batterien, and on projects such as with Fraunhofer ISC partnering with Poland-based Wroclaw University of Science and Technology which are set to improve regenerative braking performance and Dynamic Charge Acceptance (DCA) as well as high temperature durability. The research is ensuring the most advanced lead batteries are used in vehicles, to support the transition to a low-carbon future.

In line the accelerated demand for renewable energy, projects are also dedicated to driving innovation in advanced lead batteries for the growing energy storage market. As the world shifts to cleaner sources of energy and the need for more reliable grids, battery energy storage research is essential.

In an ongoing project with Spanish research institute INMA and ILA member and battery manufacturer Exide Technologies, high-tech neutron diffraction characterisation is being used by scientists to gain a deeper understanding of processes occurring in a lead battery. This first-of-its-kind approach aims to improve energy efficiency and the cycle life of batteries for energy storage systems (ESS).

Tapping directly into the new goals set out in CBI’s Technical Roadmap, this energy storage research is paving the way for advanced lead batteries to enhance their performance for renewable and utility energy storage.

The lead battery is a well-established technology – cost-effective and recyclable, with a committed industry behind it powering innovative research initiatives. The overarching goal for our members is to contribute to a cleaner future in the energy sector, especially to facilitate decarbonisation and support climate goals. It is vital that the EU includes all batteries in their future work plans.

Abridged from a series originally published by the Consortium for Battery Innovation