AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
- Altech Batteries has received conditional approval for up to €46.11 million in funding under Germany’s STARK program for its CERENERGY® battery project.
- The grant is expected to cover ~30% of eligible capital expenditure for the planned 120 MWh battery manufacturing facility in Saxony.
- The company has relocated its Silumina Anodes™ R&D laboratory to Germany.
- Luise Bloi has been appointed Chief Technology Officer to support battery technology development in Germany.
- The company has surrendered a non-core exploration license as part of its cost-reduction strategy.
Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) has released its March 2026 quarterly update, outlining major developments across its battery projects. The update highlighted progress in securing funding in Germany, operational restructuring initiatives, and strategic portfolio adjustments.
The company reported a conditional grant approval for its CERENERGY® project, alongside the strategic relocation of its Silumina Anodes™ research operations and cost-focused measures aimed at streamlining activities.
German Grant Approval for CERENERGY® Project
During the quarter, the company received conditional binding approval for funding of up to €46.11 million under Germany’s federal STARK program for its CERENERGY® Sodium-Chloride Solid-State battery project in Saxony. The grant, expected to cover around 30% of eligible CAPEX, marks a significant milestone in the development of the planned 120 MWh CERENERGY® battery manufacturing facility in Saxony.
The STARK program, backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in collaboration with the European Union, aims to support regions undergoing structural transition toward sustainable economic models.
The CERENERGY® technology, developed in partnership with the Fraunhofer Society, is positioned as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, focusing on stationary energy storage applications. The funding remains subject to conditions, including approval under Germany’s 2026 federal budget and achieving financial close by 30 June 2026.
The company continues discussions with potential partners to secure full financing for the project ahead of the June 2026 deadline.
R&D Operations Shifted to Germany
The company has relocated its Silumina Anodes™ R&D laboratory to Saxony, Germany from Perth. This move aligns the R&D facility with the existing pilot plant, which is already operational at the site.
The Silumina Anodes™ project focuses on incorporating silicon into lithium-ion batteries, enabling increased energy capacity and improved battery lifecycle performance. The co-location of the R&D lab and the pilot plant is expected to offer R&D, operational, and cost advantages.
As part of this transition, Dr. Luise Bloi has been appointed Chief Technology Officer. Based in Germany, Dr. Bloi brings experience in battery research including prior roles with the Fraunhofer Institute and other industry organisations.
Portfolio Streamlining Through License Surrender
Altech reported the surrender of Exploration License 70/4718, held by its subsidiary Canning Coal Pty Ltd. The asset was identified as non-core to the company’s primary operations. The decision is expected to reduce ongoing operational expenses.
The company reported cash and cash equivalents of AUD 1.379 million as of 31 March 2026.
The March 2026 quarter reflects a period of progress and strategic restructuring for Altech Batteries, with funding developments and operational changes shaping its ongoing projects. Next steps are focused on securing financial close for the CERENERGY® project and advancing its battery technologies toward commercial deployment.
ATC shares were trading 5.88% higher at AUD 0.018 per share at the time of writing on 30 April 2026.
