2022: Key investments in aluminium-ion battery development

The degrading environmental conditions of the world have persuaded able minds to upgrade the technology available to mankind, which means a gradual shift from fossil fuels to green energy. Moreover, fossil fuel is very much limited on the surface of Earth, and the continuously depleting levels are a cause of concern. Scientists are constantly exploring new ways to generate green energy, which is a healthier alternative for the environment. 

Those who are new to the concept of green energy must only understand one thing, electricity generated by the use of natural resources, like wind, water or sunlight, is known as green energy. This type of energy leaves less carbon footprint on the world's scape. But once we eliminate the use of fossil fuel-induced technology, we also need to replace it with something more modern and carbon-free. Here green electricity plays a huge part since it has the ability to run massive capacities when engineered in a safe and calculated way. The fundamental method of using stored energy is through the use of battery cells, and the recent upheaval in the Electric Vehicle sector has prompted many well-known companies to invest in lithium-ion or aluminium-ion batteries. Since aluminium is an infinitely recyclable material, its use in making a battery transforms the entire package into a very productive yet 100% recyclable object. 

Some of the companies breaking ground in the aluminium-ion battery evolution throughout 2022 are:

Graphene Manufacturing Group 

In the month of July this year, the clean-technology developing company Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. announced the commissioning of its graphene aluminium-ion batteries ("G+AI Batteries") in the pouch cell format. GMG can be considered the first producer of G+Al battery pouch cells. The company's lightweight and faster-charging aluminium-ion batteries have the potential to completely revolutionise the Electric Vehicle (EV) sector. These batteries have a better lifespan than lithium-ion ones. In August, the company declared with confidence a Final Investment Decision (FID) of almost AU$1.5 million to expand Phase 1 of its graphene manufacturing project. Nearing the end of the year, in November, the company came up with an extraordinary plan of storing solar energy inside its flagship aluminium-ion batteries and almost immediately, the announcement raised many brows in wonder and disbelief. If the idea is successful, many of our impending electricity issues can be easily discarded forever. To yield a fruitful outcome, GMG began to raise US$5 million through a 'bought deal' in the same month, further investing AU$ 600,000 in December to witness better output throughout 2023. 

Phinergy 

In July this year, India's Indian Oil Corporation and Israeli metal-air technology provider, Phinergy, entered into a Joint Venture to construct a pilot plant that manufactures aluminium-air batteries. Eyeing the emerging EV market in India, Israel's clean energy enthusiast Phinergy vowed to share informational protocols with various top-notch Indian brands that have massive recognition around the world. In fact, Hindalco also chipped in to become a part of the IOCL-Phinergy JV, assuring the safe production of aluminium plates for aluminium-air batteries. The IOCL-Phinergy JV manufactured 100 aluminium plates to power a 50-seater bus for about 500 km. Then in November, Phinergy collaborated with Tata to develop the first aluminium-air battery run Tata Tiago EV prototype. In the same month, Cellnex was found testing the utility of this phenomenal aluminium-air battery technology as a backup power solution at its Spanish site. 

Log9 

As early as in April, Log9, a nanotech and battery specialist from Bengaluru, announced the plan to construct a manufacturing plant that would produce aluminium-ion battery cells to power low-cost EVs, such as two and three-wheelers. Log9 has received heavy funding from the internationally acclaimed Amara Raja Batteries in its initial stage, but now the company's patented technology, the RapidX battery pack, is making headlines. These batteries are more efficient with faster charging capabilities than the contemporary lithium-ion ones. Moreover, on depletion, the aluminium used can be recycled for a fresh batch of raw material. In September, Log9 acquired a hefty US$9.65 million investment from Amara Raja Batteries again to evolve its flagship technology. 

Nordische Technologies

During the month of May, Nordische Technologies announced the development of the world's first Aluminium-Graphene pouch cell battery in collaboration with the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technologies (CIPET). The Aluminium-Graphene cell battery would be applied in consumer electronics, gadgets, and future EV technology. This cell battery is the Earth's most quick charging, non-toxic, non-flammable, non-lithium and non-cobalt battery, flaunting a long cycle life. Since these batteries are in pouch cell format, their use would not be limited, whereas the flexibility of the product is such that it can be used in various commercial products.

Altech Chemicals 

Altech Chemicals signed an agreement of contract with the German developer Kuttner GmbH in June, aiming to formulate a high purity alumina or 'HPA' coating pilot plant in Saxony, a German state. The glazing method by the company utilises graphite and silicone particles to condition anode materials, ultimately boosting the tolerance of lithium-ion batteries. Altech Chemicals Limited, an innovator of aluminium compounds and technological products in September, signed a JV with Fraunhofer IKTS to commercialise the CERENERGY® sodium alumina solid-state battery technology. Altech Chemicals believes that CERENERGY® batteries are the most potent grid storage alternative to lithium-ion batteries. This agreement also assured the constitution of a 100MWh project on Altech's property in Schwarze Pumpe, Germany. Though Altech has not researched aluminium-ion batteries directly, its contribution to revolutionising the green energy sector has been immense.

The research on aluminium-ion technology is not enough for the EV revolution since there are auxiliary components that must be perfected to yield a positive outcome. 

Here, companies like Gränges and DongShin Motech Ltd played a huge part in 2022. In June, DongShin Motech Ltd, a South-Korean automobile parts manufacturer, signed a letter of intent with the Windsor-Essex authorities declaring an investment of $60 million for the construction of a 170,000 square-feet battery casing factory. These aluminium battery casings would enclose lithium-ion cells. 

Otherwise, a downstream player, Gränges, too, in May laid the foundations to expand its Arkansas production facility to begin the production of battery cathode foil, which is crucial in making lithium-ion batteries. 

Even though lithium-ion is the eminent call of the decade, very soon, the above-mentioned brands are going to commercialise their aluminium-ion technology, creating a better sustainable future for the tech-oriented generation.