Altech Bags €46.11M Grant for 120 MWh CERENERGY Battery Factory

Government Backing for Next-Gen Battery Tech

Altech Batteries Limited has taken a significant step forward in its mission to revolutionise energy storage with the CERENERGY Sodium-Chloride Solid-State battery project. The company announced it has secured conditional binding funding approval of up to €46.11 million from the German federal government’s STARK program. This grant, covering roughly 30% of eligible capital expenditure, materially de-risks the project and supports the construction of a 120 MWh battery manufacturing facility in Saxony, Germany.

The STARK program is designed to drive ecological, economic, and social sustainability in regions undergoing structural change, particularly those transitioning away from coal-based industries. Altech’s CERENERGY project aligns perfectly with this vision, offering a cutting-edge, lithium-free battery technology developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Society, a leading German research organisation.

A Safer, Sustainable Alternative

The CERENERGY battery technology stands out for its use of abundant and non-critical materials like table salt, eliminating reliance on lithium, cobalt, graphite, and copper. This not only mitigates supply chain risks and exposure to volatile metal prices but also promises enhanced safety by being fire and explosion-proof. Designed for stationary energy storage, the batteries are expected to play a crucial role in Europe’s transition to renewable energy by providing long-duration, reliable storage solutions.

Managing Director and CEO Daniel Raihani emphasised the strategic importance of the grant, noting that it reflects both the technical progress achieved and the broader European push for energy independence and sustainability. The funding approval marks the successful completion of the second and decisive stage of the German government’s approval process, setting a strong foundation for the project’s financial close targeted for mid-2026.

Looking Ahead, Financial Close and Construction

While the grant approval is a major milestone, it remains conditional on Altech achieving full financial close by 30 June 2026 and the parliamentary approval of the 2026 federal budget. These conditions introduce some execution risk, but the company’s progress and government backing bode well for the project’s advancement.

Once financial close is secured, Altech plans to proceed with construction of the CERENERGY battery factory, which will produce modules aimed at the European grid storage market. This facility could position Altech as a key player in the continent’s energy storage landscape, especially as demand grows for safer, sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion technology.

Beyond CERENERGY, Altech is also advancing its Silumina Anodes battery materials project in Saxony, targeting the electric vehicle market with silicon-enhanced lithium-ion batteries. Together, these initiatives underscore Altech’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in battery technology.