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Highlights
- Altech revives a 28-year-old sodium battery with full functionality
- CERENERGY tech showcases exceptional stability and long shelf life
- Technology sets itself apart from traditional lithium-ion batteries
In a remarkable demonstration of battery resilience, Altech Batteries (ASX:ATC) has brought new attention to its CERENERGY® sodium-nickel-chloride (Na-NiCl) technology by successfully activating a 28-year-old battery that had been sitting idle since its manufacturing in Berlin.
The battery, originally produced under the ZEBRA format by AEG ZEBRA, had not been used for nearly three decades. When tested, it powered up and performed as though it were freshly made, with zero noticeable degradation in capacity or function. This real-world validation reinforces confidence in Altech’s technology, particularly in terms of long-term energy storage viability.
What makes this battery type distinct is its unique solid-state design and chemistry. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which often use liquid electrolytes that degrade over time, the CERENERGY system relies on materials like table salt-derived sodium and chloride, along with nickel metal and a solid beta-alumina electrolyte. In its dormant state, the battery remains chemically inert, making it stable and durable under ambient conditions.
The revival process involved heating the 28-year-old battery to about 270°C, at which point it seamlessly transitioned to full operational mode—ready for charging and discharging without any sign of performance loss. The impressive energy retention of the old Zebra battery (which had a 100Wh capacity) offers strong backing for Altech’s current-generation CERENERGY cells, which now boast a higher energy capacity of 250Wh.
To further assess this resilience, Altech's European joint venture partner, Fraunhofer IKTS, initiated rigorous stress tests on the same cell. These include daily charge-discharge cycles at 300°C within a 20–80% state-of-charge range. Results have so far indicated safe operation and steady performance across the entire capacity range.
This innovation presents a strategic advantage not just in performance but also in cost efficiency, as the materials used are low-cost and widely available—an appealing factor for developers and stakeholders looking at large-scale renewable energy storage solutions.
Such advancements could resonate with investors seeking resilient energy technologies among ASX dividend stocks, especially given Altech’s role in the broader S&PASX300 index, which tracks top-performing Australian listed companies.
As clean energy becomes more vital to infrastructure globally, Altech's CERENERGY stands out as a potential cornerstone in future energy storage systems—one that can quite literally stand the test of time.
