Fraunhofer IKTS and the Altech Group founded the joint venture Altech Batteries GmbH in 2022 to commercialize the CERENERGY® solid-state battery. Construction of a battery plant in Saxony is now starting.

Altech Batteries GmbH has received the environmental and construction permit for the planned 120 MWh CERENERGY® GridPack production plant at the Schwarze Pumpe site. This approval in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) marks an important milestone for the project, which involves investments of around 156 million euros.

The implementation phase will now begin with the clearing of the construction site. At the same time, financing negotiations and funding applications at federal and state level are underway. Initial acceptance agreements with companies confirm the market interest in the new technology. Fraunhofer IKTS provides intensive support in this process, for example with preliminary tests for an economic feasibility study that has now been completed. The current focus is on upscaling the production processes.

CERENERGY® batteries are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries for stationary applications. They consist of common salt, nickel and ceramics, do not use critical raw materials and are 100% recyclable. Their long service life and high safety standards make them a sustainable solution for energy storage. With the start of plant construction, the technology is now entering industrial implementation and can provide new impetus in the energy storage market.