Ellwangen, 12. November 2024 – Thanks to the European ECO2LIB research project, a new generation of energy storage systems is now available. After four years of intensive research, a breakthrough has been achieved under the leadership of VARTA AG with a high level of innovation: Longer-lasting, more efficient and more cost-effective lithium-ion batteries are now available. These are particularly interesting for homeowners who want to store and utilise their own solar power.
The increased energy density and improved service life of the batteries will make it even easier and cheaper to supply your own household with self-generated electricity in future. In addition, an optimised recycling process allows batteries to be used in a more environmentally friendly way, which is good for both your wallet and the environment.
"Together with its project partners, VARTA AG is once again demonstrating the research achievements we are capable of in Europe," says Rainer Hald, CTO of VARTA AG. "The EU-funded ECO2LIB project has made great progress in the development of lithium-ion batteries, which we did not consider realistic just four years ago. The project is an important step towards a clean energy supply. And we at VARTA AG are proud that we have been able to make an important contribution here."
Innovation: More storage capacity thanks to silicon-based materials
A key result of the ECO2LIB project is the development of battery cells in the 21700 format, which are primarily used in electromobility and home energy storage. Particularly noteworthy is the newly developed silicon anode, which enables a significant increase in capacity (>40%) compared to conventional graphite anodes. By using next generation of silicon-based materials, not only the energy density of the batteries has been increased but also a stability of more than 1,000 cycles has been achieved. This means that the batteries can store more energy and last longer.
Environmentally friendly and cost-saving: Improved recycling processes
In addition to improving battery quality, the recycling process was also optimised as part of the ECO2LIB project. At the end of the batteries' life cycle, the materials can be recycled more efficiently, which lowers the cost of manufacturing new cells and reduces the amount of material required. This not only leads to cheaper batteries for the consumer, but also contributes to a more sustainable use of resources.
From research to practical applications in many areas: From wireless headphones to electromobility
The technologies developed in the ECO2LIB project will be directly incorporated into the development of new generations of lithium-ion batteries in various cell formats in the future. This will not only make the company's own energy supply more sustainable, but also more cost-efficient. Rainer Hald: "Based on the ECO2LIB research results, VARTA AG is making a significant contribution to the further development of lithium-ion battery technology. Higher performance and longer service life speak for themselves. This will make the transition to clean energy more attractive and affordable for consumers - a significant step towards a sustainable energy future."
About the ECO2LIB project
The ECO2LIB project, which was funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 programme and coordinated by VARTA AG, focused on the development of advanced lithium-ion batteries. Over the course of four years, significant progress was made, particularly in increasing the energy density and service life of battery cells. A key objective was to develop sustainable and cost-efficient energy storage systems that offer a long service life and are easier to recycle. The technologies developed in the project were successfully demonstrated in marketable products such as the CoinPower® cells or the "VARTA.wall" storage system, paving the way for a new generation of energy storage systems and facilitating the use of renewable energies in everyday life.
The project team consisted of scientists from various renowned organisations, including VARTA Microbattery (DE), CEA-IRIG (FR), WMG of the University of Warwick (UK), VARTA Innovation GmbH (AUT), EurA AG (DE), Uppsala Universitet (SE), Materials Center Leoben Forschung GmbH (AUT), VARTA Storage GmbH (DE), Uniwersytet Warszawski (PL) and ACCUREC Recycling GmbH (DE).
Press contact
interim press spokesperson VARTA AG
Dirk Schmitt
Mobile: +49 170 302 8833
E-mail: d.schmitt@rosenbergsc.com / PR@varta-ag.com