Li-S Energy has inked a strategic collaboration with Australian defence firm EPE, unlocking pathways to international defence markets for its ultra-lightweight lithium sulfur batteries.
- Collaboration with EPE Trusted to Protect
- Access to 60+ global defence partners
- Batteries evaluated by US Army DEVCOM
- Focus on drones, robotics, and soldier electronics
- EPE awarded $3.05m for local drone manufacturing
Strategic Partnership Opens Defence Markets
Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS) has taken a significant step to commercialise its ultra-lightweight lithium sulfur batteries by signing a Collaboration Agreement with EPE Trusted to Protect, a veteran-led Australian defence and national security company. This alliance grants Li-S Energy structured access to EPE’s extensive network of over 60 international defence and security original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and prime contractors across the Indo-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the UK.
Li-S Energy’s batteries promise nearly double the energy density of conventional lithium-ion cells, offering longer operational times and increased payload capacity for drones and unmanned systems. These performance advantages, combined with sovereign manufacturing capabilities, position LIS to meet growing demand for advanced power solutions in defence applications.
Leveraging EPE’s Global Reach and Expertise
Founded by Australian Army veteran Warwick Penrose, EPE brings more than 25 years of experience equipping defence and security forces operating in challenging environments. With offices in Brisbane, Wellington, Kentucky, and regional operations supporting Europe and the UK, EPE serves a broad customer base including the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces, allied military units, law enforcement, and government agencies.
The collaboration framework enables joint evaluation, demonstration, and qualification of Li-S Energy’s cells in key defence platforms such as drones, ground robotics, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robots, counter-drone systems, and soldier electronics. This pathway is designed to streamline potential battery supply into EPE’s partner platforms, reducing the complexity inherent in multiple bilateral engagements.
Commercial Prospects and Sovereign Capability
While the agreement does not guarantee commercial supply contracts, it lays the groundwork for Li-S Energy to showcase its technology to a wide audience of defence customers and technology partners. Notably, Li-S Energy recently delivered prototype cells to the US Army DEVCOM for independent testing, marking a crucial milestone in its international defence engagement strategy.
EPE’s recent $3.05 million grant from the Queensland Sovereign Industry Development Fund to expand local manufacturing of Australian-designed drone systems underscores the growing emphasis on sovereign capability within allied defence supply chains. Li-S Energy’s Australian-designed and manufactured batteries align with this strategic priority, offering a homegrown alternative for critical energy storage needs.
Leadership Perspectives on Collaboration
Dr Lee Finniear, Managing Director of Li-S Energy, emphasised the strategic value of partnering with EPE: "In one Agreement, we gain a pathway to EPE’s defence and security customers across Australia, the Indo-Pacific, North America, Europe and the UK, and to the 60+ international OEMs and Australian primes building the platforms where LIS cells can deliver real capability uplift."
Warwick Penrose, Founder and CEO of EPE, highlighted the importance of advanced battery technology in enhancing defence capabilities: "LIS provides a vital sovereign supply of advanced battery technology, designed and manufactured here in Australia. Through this collaboration we will identify, evaluate and progress opportunities for LIS cells to deliver real capability uplift across the systems we build and support, and the partners we represent."
Bottom Line?
Li-S Energy’s collaboration with EPE marks a critical juncture in its quest to embed sovereign battery technology within global defence supply chains, but commercial success hinges on forthcoming evaluation outcomes and procurement decisions.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Li-S Energy’s batteries perform in EPE’s partner platforms during qualification trials?
- What timelines are expected for potential commercial supply agreements to emerge from this collaboration?
- Can Li-S Energy scale manufacturing to meet anticipated demand from defence and security sectors?