Altech Batteries Ltd has announced it will relocate and reposition its Silumina Anodes battery materials research and development laboratory from Perth to Germany, aligning it more closely with the company’s pilot plant operations in Saxony.
According to Altech, the Silumina Anodes pilot plant has been constructed and is operating at the company’s German premises, prompting a strategic decision to transfer the R&D laboratory to the same location.
In an ASX announcement, the company said the close proximity of the laboratory and pilot plant is expected to support research and testing activities, improve operational efficiency and deliver cost benefits.
Altech said the move is intended to “maximise support for its Silumina Anodes pilot plant in Saxony, Germany,” adding that the relocation is anticipated to provide “operational, R&D and cost benefits to the Company.”
It noted the Silumina Anodes project focuses on battery materials technology designed to incorporate high-capacity silicon into lithium-ion batteries.
Altech stated that its in-house research has resulted in batteries with around 30 per cent higher energy capacity and improved cyclability, or battery life, compared with conventional designs.
The company said higher energy density could lead to smaller and lighter batteries and potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In its announcement, Altech described the technology as “game changing,” stating that it has “cracked the ‘silicon code’” through internal research and development.
The company also noted that higher density batteries are seen as important for the future of the electric vehicle market.
As part of the project’s commercial development, Altech said it has entered into non-disclosure agreements with automobile companies in Germany and the United States.
These agreements relate to the supply of Silumina Anodes material samples for prospective customers to conduct their own in-house testing.
Alongside the laboratory relocation, Altech announced the appointment of Germany-based Dr Luise Bloi as its new Chief Technology Officer.
The company said Dr Bloi holds a Master of Science in Chemistry and completed her PhD on carbon-based anodes for lithium all solid-state battery concepts.
Altech highlighted Dr Bloi’s experience in the battery sector, noting her previous roles with Skeleton Technologies and ACC Automotive Cells Company, as well as her work at the Fraunhofer Institute.
Fraunhofer is also Altech’s joint venture partner in the CERENERGY® Sodium-Chloride Solid-State battery project.
The company said the appointment of a German-based CTO aligns with its expanded operational footprint in Germany and supports its focus on advancing battery materials research alongside pilot-scale production.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Altech Batteries Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Altech. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
